













Class _ 
Book_ 


COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 










I ^ 


t 


\ 


% 


I 


I 


I 


t* 

i > 


if 

i 


4 


$ 





. t 




1 







FLAG SLUILS 


rPEET & 5M1TH • PUBLISHCB5 • NEW YORK 

i 


FLAG SERIES 


Issued senii-iiiontlilv. Hy Rulisci iption $6 pel- year. April ", IK'JO 
Kiitered as secoiiil-class matter at N. Y. post-dffici'. Jan. 21, 1896 

MORE OF BERTHA M. CLAY’S NOVELS ARE SOLL 
OF ANY OTHER AUTHOR. 



The majority of these novels are copyrighted ai. 


be had only in the Clover Series. Paper, 25 cents. 


For a 'Woman’s Flonor (new). 
A Heart’s J]itterness. 

A Heart’s Idol. 

Tlio Gipsy’s Daugliter. 

In Love’s Crucible. 

Marjorie Deane. 

Gladys Greye. 

Another Woman’s Husband. 
Violet Lisle. 

Fair, but Faithless 
Aiioiher Man’s Wile. 

Between Two ILairts. 

’Twixt Love and Hate. 

A Woman’s Temptation. 
Beyond P’ardon 
Put Asunder. 

Between d'wo Loves. 

Under a Sliadow. 


I Tiie Earl's Aionemcnt. 

I Repented at Leisure. 
Weaker than a Woman. 
Dora Thoi'iie. 

I A Golden Heart. 

I A Mad Love. 

The Duke’s Secret. 

1 

AVife in Name Only. 

I A Fiery Ordeal 
; The Shadow of a Sin. 

A Woman's AVar. 

Claribel s Love Story 
An Ideal Love (new). 
From Out the Gloom • 
Thorns and Orange Blosi- 
Thrown On the AVorld 
j r^ord Lmuic’s Choice 
Sunshine and Boses. 


For sale by all booksellers and newsdealers, or 
postage free on receipt of price, by the publishers. 

STREET & SMITH, 

2S to 31 Rose Street, New Y 














the; se:hie:s 

Devoted to Stories of Patriotism and Bravery. 


THE YANKEE CHAMPION, 

By Sylvanus Cobb, Jr. 

A SOLDIER LOYER, 

By Edward S. Brooks. 

A FAIR PIONEER, 

By J. M. Merrill. 

THE DISPATCH BEARER, 

By Warren Edwards. 

UNDER FIRE, 

By T. P. James. 

THE COLONEL’S WIFE. 

By Warren Edwards. 


PUBLISHED BY STREET & S3IITH. 

FOR SALE EVERYWHERE 


W^R.REllSr EIDWjAlRIDS, 



‘‘The Dispatch Bearer,” JEltc. 

J 


NEW YORK: 

STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 
29 Rose Street. * 


Copyrighted 1896 by Stbeet & Smith. 



■ ^ K - 











I,' 


^..': f 


. . 





4^\ 


s> * ; > 




.L 


i-i t '; 


‘Jt 


t 






THE COLONEL’S WIFE. 


CHAPTER 1. 

HELD BY THE ENEMY. 

It was night in Georgia. 

The misty moonbeams, filtered through the lat- 
ticed branches of ' the pines, fell upon the figure of a 
man in blue who followed a well-worn path leacling 
to a mansion situated on debatable ground near 
Atlanta. 

Fierce and sanguinary battles had been fought all 
the way from Chattanooga, and the doom of the Gate 
City was sealed. Presently Atlanta and its environs 
must fall into the hands of the victorious Sherman. 
Those were troublous times for the Confederacy, and 
many a heart grew cold with a vague fear while 
facing the approaching disaster. 

Close behind this advancing figure a second might- 
have been seen — a tall, lean fellow who wore the 
chevrons of a sergeant, though it would be impossible 
to tell whether his dusty, well-worn garments stamped 
him a member of the blue or gray. ' 

Emerging from the pines the house lay before the 
leader, bathed in the flood of lunar light. 


6 ' HELD BY THE ENEMY. 

He came to a stand and gazed upon the scene as 
though certain emotions long since dead had been 
aroused to a hew life. While he thus stood, the 
lanky sergeant joined him. 

“There it is, Shanks. I was a boy when last I 
looked on the old home, and it would hardly do to 
tell how many years ago that was. Great changes 
have taken place here in that time. No doubt some 
of my old neighbors would think it rough that 
Fletcher Ridgeway §on should be with the army of 
invasion, but they know little of my life, and could 
never guess the powerful motives that bring me here. 
Let’s advance, sergeant. I believe the house is de- 
serted. Indeed, I am surprised to see it standing, 
with so many bands of plundering jayhawkers and 
guerrillas running through the country.” 

“Just as ye say, sir,” replied the other, his manner 
affectionate rather than obsequitous. 

“Remember my caution — guard your tongue. To 
you for the present I am only a fellow-soldier, plain 
John Emmett. ” 

The sergeant saluted in a formal way. 

“Sergeant, you’re a Tennesseean, I believe?” 

“From near Knoxville, sir. My people lived in 
the mountains. Some of my kin wear the gray — 
others the blue. ” 

“How came you to go with the North? I’ve 
known you a year, and never asked that before.” 

“The jayhawkers murdered my father before my 
eyes. They wore the butternut~that settled the 
matter with me. I’ve paid back the debt, I reckon,” 
and the mountaineer ground his teeth at the recollec- 
tion. 

They were now near the house, one of those ram- 
bling Southern structures so well adapted to the 
country, a picturesque building that would have 
delighted the eye of an artist. 

John seemed deeply interested. Memory awoke 


HELD BY THE ENEMY. 


within him, and a strange thrill passed over his 
frame. 

“Yes, many happy days I spent here at the old 
home before that wretched affair made me an exile. 
See, there is the same well — how often have I 
slaked my thirst from its mossy bucket. And yonder 
ancient oak served me as a hiding-place from the 
little black imps who were my boy companions. 
The impulse to again test the cool water far below 
the well-remembered curb is irresistible. How do you 
feel about it, sergeant?” 

“Dry, sir, pesky dry. Shall I raise a bucket?” 

“If you will. Then we will try to enter the house. 
My night mission concerns the interior, and the old 
hearth of the great sitting-room in particular. Please 
heaven they may be there.” 

Tlie windless sent forth many a dreary creak, as if 
displeased at being compelled to again enter the field 
of labor; but the bucket of sparkling well-water, 
better than the nectar of the gods, was soon tilted 
upon the curb, and after an absence of many years 
John quenched his thirst at the same fountain that 
had served him in boyhood. 

This pleasant duty finished, he advanced to the 
building. Whatever recollections were rioting 
through his mind — and they must have been legion 
— he did not allow them to appear upon the surface. 
Evidently this same John was capable of controlling 
his feelings to a remarkable extent. 

Of course the door was fast — he expected that. A 
window would grant the desired ingress. 

There was something repugnant about this mode 
of entrance, but during the stormy war times men 
who were soldiers met with so many strange adven- 
tures that these feelings had to be stifled to a greater 
or less exent. 

So John passed from one window to another, try- 
ing each in turn. Success did not come immediately. 


8 


HELD BY THE ENEMY.' 


but lie was not discouraged. A man’s character 
crops out even in such small things of life, and John 
possessed pertinacity to a certainty. 

Finally he discovered a window that offered no re- 
sistance to his onslaught, and thus after the long 
lapse of years he once more entered the house that 
had been his boyhood’s home. 

Ivike a man walking in his sleep, he passed from 
one room to another. 

The moonlight found an entrance through the 
many windows, though they were festooned with 
cobwebs after the manner of deserted mansions. It 
served to reveal various objects in the rooms, and 
John’s mind went back through the vista of years as 
each familiar scene aroused memories of the past. 

At length he stood in the room that seemed to be 
his goal. Here was the wide-throated chimney, the 
generous hearth with its old-fashioned andirons. In 
front of a roaring fire how many times in the long 
ago had he sat with his boy companions, cracking 
nuts and chattering like a lot of magpies, or listening 
to grandfather’s weird stories of early life in the 
South. 

John was an intensely practical man, and quickly 
swept aside this halo of romance that threatened to 
overwhelm him. 

“Now to see whether the papers have lain there 
during these years, or been discovered. Come, my 
dear fellow, brace up and put the matter to a test.” 

Just as he was bending down to remove one of the 
stones that formed the hearth, he heard the hoot of 
a-n owl from the outside. This was the signal ar- 
ranged with the sergeant — it meant sudden danger. 

John wheeled and stepped to a window, but the 
dust was too thick on the glass to allow him a chance 
to see. 

The report of a gun sounded on the night air. 


HELD BY THE ENEMY. 


9 


*This meant business beyond a peradventure, for in 
war times the discharge of fire-arms is significant. 

Whatever his mission to this home of his boyhood, 
it must for the present be postponed. He again 
traversed the rooms, aiming for the open window. 

Shouts were heard outside, proclaiming the pres- 
ence of the enemy in force. John’s bravery had been - 
tested ere now on many a hard-fought field, and it ' 
.was with impatience at being interrupted rather than 
alarm, that he scrambled through the small pantry 
window. 

No sooner had he dropped upon the ground than 
violent hands were laid on him. A muscular man, 
John set about persuading his assailants that they 
could not thus act with impunity. 

Though three to one, they might have met their 
match in this desperate soldier, but for the coming 
of reinforcements. Under the combined assault John 
was soon made a prisoner, and panting for breath 
awaited the next move of his enemies. 

To his surprise only two of them seemed to wear 
any uniform. The others were civilians or blacks, 
and evidently belonged to some plantation. He 
looked in vain for signs of the sergeant, and would 
have believed the other 'must have made his escape 
only for the haunting memory of the single shot. 

What would they do with him ? John gave no sign 
of alarm, and yet under the peculiar circumstances he 
knew they might be disposed to treat him as a spy. | 

Exasperated by the march of Sherman and the 
fate of Atlanta, which hung trembling in the balance, 
the Georgians were not in a mood for philosophy or 
mercy. Cruel war brings out the most intense pas- 
sions of men. 

Under these circumstances, therefore, he kept his 
ears on the alert to catch what was said, when the 
man wearing a Confederate captain’s uniform ad- 
vanced and looked closely into his face. 


10 


A GRIM ALTERNATIVE. 


“You are a Yankee?” he asked, curtly. 

“I am,” replied John, boldly, desirous of avoiding 
the charge of being called a spy. 

“Married or single?” was the next astonishing 
question. 

“A bachelor,” returned the Federal, proudly. 

“Then I reckon you’ll do. Men, bring him along, 
and if he tries to escape, a charge of buckshot must 
finish him. To Lyndhurst ” 

As he marched along in their midst, the prisoner 
found himself wondering what astounding adventure 
was about to overwhelm him. 


CHAPTER IL 

A GRIM ALTERNATIVE. v 

Not a word was said while they tramped along the 
road. John’s curiosity had been aroused, however, 
and he wondered whether his confession as to being a 
bachelor would have any bearing one way or another 
upon his possible fate as a spy. 

The growl of heavy guns could be heard in the 
distance, telling .that Sherman’s grip was hourly 
growing more tenacious, and the time close at hand 
when the Gate City must surrender to superior force. 

These sounds were unpleasant music in the ears of 
those whose sympathies rested with the distiessed 
Southland, and it promised to be an unfortunate time 
for any Federal whom the fortune of war might 
Throw into their grasp. 

Lyndhurst — the name was familiar to John, and he 
remembered that in the days of his youth the 
Grangers lived there. Perhaps officers were quartered 
there, for the squire had always been a most ardent 
patriot, and no doubt from his vast resources had 


A GRIM ALTERNATIVE. 


11 


contributed much to help on the cause of the Con- 
federacy. 

Under such circumstances, therefore, it was possi- 
ble that a drum-head court-martial might be held, 
and a speedy execution take place. John hardly 
liked the thought of dying upon the scene of boy- 
hood’s pleasures, but the stern lessons of campaign 
life make light of even such a ghastly possibility. 

So he trudged along in the midst of his silent cap- 
tors. Now and then his thoughts turned in the direc- 
tion of the sergeant, but on each occasion the re- 
membrance of that shot caused him to shrug his 
shoulders and mentally decide that poor Shanks had 
already gone upon the long road that awaited him. 

They passed through a gate and entered upon well- 
kept grounds. Uyndhurst was considered the finest 
estate near Atlanta. Its peculiar position had thus 
far saved the historic old mansion with its delightful 
grounds from the bombarding guns of the enemy, 
but once the city fell into the hands of the conquer- 
ing Federals, Uyndhurst would feel the blighting in- 
fluence, 'and, possibly, be left in ruins. 

Lights gleamed through the trees, showing that 
the mansion was far from being deserted. Straight 
up to the door they led the prisoner, and presently 
John found himself locked in a room. Voices in 
earnest conversation could be heard near by. Finally 
the door 'Opened and some one entered. 

It was a man of about fifty whom John faced, a 
man with a most determined countenance. In spite 
of the passage of years he recognized the other as his 
father’s neighbor and friend. Squire Granger. 

Bending a keen look upon the prisoner, the planter 
addressed him. 

“I presume there is little need of my telling you, 
my man, that you are in a fair way of stretching 
-hemp. Caught within our lines, there is but one con- 
clusion to be drawn — that is, you are a Federal spy. 


12 


A GRIM ALTERNATIVE. 


Of course, you will deny this, but it matters little. 
We are justified in acting upon this supposition. 
These are times for action, and our policy is to 
reduce Sherman’s army at every chance.” 

“Under these circumstances I might as well pre- 
pare to meet my fate,” remarked John, coolly. 

“What! are you anxious to die?” ejaculated the 
planter, with considerable surprise. 

“Not at all. On the contrary, I have every reason 
for desiring to live, but as a soldier I long ago made 
up my mind to' face the worst manfully when it 
came. ’ ’ 

“But there is a peculiar stigma attached to the 
fate of a spy — unmerited, I admit. It has always 
been so. To fall in battle is honorable — to be hung a 
disgrace. ’ ’ 

“Granted — yet not being a spy I take little interest 
in the controversy. You have not come here to en- 
gage in an argument, squire. ’ ’ 

“Ah! you know me?” 

“That is the penalty for being a prominent man, 
sir. Every one has heard of Squire Granger and his 
lovely home. ’ ’ 

“It has been my pride. You can imagine my dis- 
tress at the prospect to come. What is your name?” 

“John Emmett,” replied the prisoner, which was 
true enough so far as it went. 

“Then listen to me. I am about to give you one 
chance for your life. Refuse it if you like, but the 
penalty is death. ’ ’ 

“Go on — I am ready to hear you,” said Emmett, 
calmly. 

“You are a bachelor, I am told.” 

“That is true.” 

“Then hark ! in half an hour from now you will 
be a married man, or have ceased to live.” 

At this strange remark John turned and looked 
squarely into the face of the planter. 


A GKIM ALTJEENATIVE. 


13 


‘‘Pardon me if I say that under ordinary circum- 
stances of the two evils I might choose the latter. ’ ’ 

“Oh! I see, you are a woman hater.’’ 

“Hardly that. I have grown somewhat cynical re- 
garding the happiness of those who wed, and long 
ago resolved to remain single. ’ ’ 

“Perhaps we can batter down the walls of your 
prejudice, especially when it is a case of giving up 
your bachelor freedom, or meeting a fate that usually 
makes men shudder.” 

“Explain yourself, squire, for you must admit this 
is a remarkable proposition you bring me. ’ ’ 

“Then lisfen, and weigh well the consequences 
before you decide. This estate has been my pride. 
It would kill me to have it ruined by the Yankees, 
which must come about unless I can secure immunity. 
I have one child, a daughter, whose heart is the same 
as mine. She is ready to sacrifice herself in order to 
save Eynd hurst.” 

“Go on — I am still unable to grasp the matter.” 

“You are a Federal soldier — my men tell me they 
believe you to be an officer. ’ ’ 

“It is true. ” 

“If I can show proof that this estate is the prop- 
erty of my daughter, and that she is the wife of a 
Federal officer, Eyndhurst will be saved from the 
torch. ” 

John was electrified by the proposition, and looked 
curiously at the man whose shrewd brain had evolved 
it. One glance at that determined face told him 
Squire Granger meant all he said, and that a refusal 
to accept the contract would be the signal for a hasty 
execution. 

“What is your daughter’s name?” 

“It does not matter— still, you would have to 
know — it is Mollie Granger.” 

“She cannot be twenty, as yet,” 


14 


A GBIM ALTEENATIVE. 


“jEst eighteen. Allow me to add yon are showing 
a curiosity that is unpleasant to me. ’ ’ 

“Well, my dear sir, you must confess it would 
only be natural for a gentleman to ask the name of 
the lady who was to be his wife. ’ ’ 

“lyisten to me. You fail to grasp the situation. 
Under ordinary circumstances I would as soon see 
my child dead as the wife of a Yankee. To save 
Uyndhurst we are ready to do even this. If you con- 
sent I have a solemn contract here which you must 
sign.’’ 

“A contract — kindly tell me its nature. It may 
put a different face on the natter. ’ ’ 

“It is simply an agreement by means of which you 
swear n^ver to claim Mollie as your wife — in fact, to 
be a stranger to her unless she of her own free will 
decides otherwise. ’ ’ 

“And you tell me she has consented to this?” 

“I have said so. Expect nothing but coldness from 
her. She is a Georgia girl and bitterly opposed to all 
Northern soldiers. Make up your mind that you will 
never see her after this night. Allow this strange 
romance to fade out of your mind. Eyndhurst will 
be saved and in twelve months the courts will set you 
both free again. This is a marriage of business and 
convenience — no dancing, no blushing bride, no ^ 
happy hearts. The growl of Sherman’s heavy guns 
is the only music, and that sad enough to Southern 
hearts. Decide in five minutes whether you care to 
live a Benedict or die a bachelor. ’ ’ 

John walked up and down. Eife was sweet to him, 
for he had much to accomplish, duties to perform. 
Besides, what mattered it under these peculiar cir- 
cumstances? As yet the romance in the affair did not 
appeal to him. 

“Before I decide one way or the other, will you 
allow me to see the young lady who has offered her- 
self a sacrifice in order to save Eyndhurst?” 


MOLLlE. 


15 


“I don’t see why you show any curiosity in the 
matter, as she will be your wife in name only. How- 
ever, I am disposed to be lenient. Step this way — 
she stands by the table in the other room under the 
light. Tell me, Yankee, will you accept and live?” 

John held his breath. 

He had not expected to see such a charming girl as 
the one who raised her head and looked coldly, yet 
with some little show of curiosity, toward him. 

“I will sign the paper, squire,” he said, quietly, 
while to himself he muttered: “If I have to be sacri- 
ficed on the altar of connubial folly, I could hardly 
wish for a more interesting partner in the ceremony. ’ ’ 


CHAPTER III. 
molue. 

Squire Granger was a man of business, as he 
proved by producing the document in question. At 
a signal a couple of John’s captors entered to act as 
witnesses, and in signing he was careful to put down 
only so much of his name as he had already given. 

It was evident that all preparations were made for 
the event, even to a parson, before the expedition 
was sent out to capture a bachelor Yankee. 

John aroused himself to take some interest in the 
case. Perhaps the novelty of the situation had some- 
thing to do with this departure from his usual non- 
chalance, or it may be,, the presence of Mollie 
Granger aroused a peculiar sensation within his 
bachelor heart. 

The girl was as cold as ice, and beyond one con- 
temptuous look, never vouchsafed him a glance. 

John found himself smiling at the ridiculous nature 
of his position. lyife is sweet to nearly every human 


16 


MOLLIfi. 


being, and few men would have refused to accept it, 
even though the inevitable result was a sacrifice of 
personal liberty. 

She stood beside him while the parson went 
through the service hastily, as though a little 
ashamed of the part he took, but ready to assist the 
squire in his scheme to save Lyndhurst. 

When the words “to love, honor and obey” were 
read, John saw her scarlet lip curl in contempt, while 
the color momentarily left her face ; but she gave a 
little affirmative nod. 

Some spirit possessed him on his part to exclaim 
with more than usual emphasis “I will” when the 
usual question was put to him, and the girl turned a 
startled look upon him, while her father scowled like 
a pirate, as though a terrible suspicion had entered 
his head that this good-looking Yankee whom he was 
using as an instrument for saving his property might 
at some future time give them trouble. 

It was by accident that John’s hand touched that 
of the girl. He was amazed at feeling a strange thrill 
shoot through his frame, and ready to laugh at him- 
self for such foolishness ; but it gave him a sensation 
he had never experienced before, and which he would 
remember. 

/ "in he was left alone with the planter. 

‘ w me to congratulate you,” said the other, 
with d sneer in his voice. 

“I can hardly realize that I am no longer a single 
man. An hour ago I had not dreamed such a destiny 
was in store for me,” returned John, with a careless 
laugh. 

“I have a little more writing to be done. Sit 
down, please, and fill out these documents. Then 
the bargain will be complete. ’ ’ 

John did as requested. Of course the papers con- 
cerned the one movement in which the squire was 
deeply interested. When John came to sign his name 


MOLLIE. 


17 


and his regiment, he managed to so manipulate the 
pen that the word Ridgeway was obscured, and a 
casual glance would only reveal plain John Emmett. 

When the squire discovered that his new son-in- 
law had placed the word “colonel” before his name, 
he smiled grimly, not because of pleasure in being 
related to a Yankee officer, for he hated the whole 
army of invasion from Sherman down to the hum- 
blest drummer boy in blue, but simply on account of 
the more favorable prospect ahead in saving the 
estate from the torch and the pillager. 

As it now stood Sherman would be compelled to 
put a guard around Eyndhurst. In case any damage 
was done, the government would be responsible, for 
the whole property belonged to the wife of a Federal 
officer. ' 

Such was the clever scheme practiced on more 
than one occasion during the 'war. Already many 
shrewd heads foresaw the inevitable end drawing 
near and were getting in out of the rain. 

' ’^Are you satisfied, squire?” asked the prisoner, 
as the other put the papers away. 

“I believe it is all right.” 

“Then allow me to depart in peace.” 

The squire raised his h^avy eyebrows. 

“My dear colonel, you certainly must have mis- 
understood me. I said nothing at all abou^ 
you liberty, . It is against my principles to ascjif 
enemy.” 

“Sir, I understood that the reward which was to 
follow my — er — sacrifice of bachelor principles was 
to be freedom. ’ ’ 

John showed some signs of annoyance, though too 
diplomatic to even raise his voice above the ordinary 
pitch. 

“I gave you the choice between marriage and the 
death of a spy. You have chosen wisely, colonel. 
We will keep you here over night, and when the 


18 


MOLLIE. 


morning comes send you under guard to headquarters. 
Your life was in question, and you have saved it. 
Say no more — words would be useless, and might 
bring on trouble. ’ ’ 

Closing abruptly, the squire clapped his hands, 
and again his satellites entered, each with an exas- 
perating grin upon his face, as though they appre • 
ciated the humor of the situation. 

“Gentlemen, kindly show Colonel Emmett, my 
Federal son-in-law, to his boudoir. I hold you re- 
sponsible for his appearance in the morning. ’ ^ 

As the squire spoke a hand was laid upon each of 
John’s shoulders. 

“I will go with you quietly, gentlemen. No vio- 
lence, if you please, or you will find yourselves hand- 
ling a desperate man, ” was what the Federal said, 
and his manner impressed them so far that they used 
no undue familiarity. 

The sarcasm of the squire’s words could be plainly 
seen when the prisoner was ushered in the “boudoir” 
in question — a strong room that had evidently served 
as a prison on more than one occasion, perhaps for 
refractory slaves. 

Darkness surrounded him. The door went shut 
with a bang, and he heard a key turn in the lock. 

When the voices of his jailers died* away along the 
passage, a silence like unto the grave fell upon John 
and his surroundings. 

He did not expect to sleep. His situation was a 
desperate one, and unless some means of securing his 
liberty were discovered before another day dawned, 
the chances of spending the balance of his life at 
Andersonville seemed promising. That were a con- 
summation devoutly to be avoided. The horrors of 
that wretched prison -pen had been carried far and 
wide and the poverty of the waning Confederate 
cause, coupled with the vindictiveness of those in 


MOLLIE. 


19 


direct charge, brought about a condition that was 
deplorable. 

If given the chance, most prisoners would have 
preferred death on the field of battle rather than the 
prospect of an existence behind that stockade. 

Thus, John had enough to spur him on in his de- 
sire to escape. He was in gdod health and had every- 
thing to live for. Even the reckless spirit that had 
marked his bachelor life must be subdued, now that 
he had taken to himself a wife. 

The matter was more than a joke with him. He 
had been deeply interested in Mollie, and even while 
he stood at her side during the brief ceremony had 
secretly vowed to make some attempt to win her re- 
gard, though keeping the solemn pledge made to her 
father. 

His first act was to move around the room, ^ and 
find out its nature. This gave him no encourage- 
ment, for the walls offered little opportunities in the 
line of escape. A small slit in the sidef allowed air to 
enter, but the stones were well set and his best efforts 
failed to dislocate any one of them. 

This was a pretty kettle of fish. Again his thoughts 
flew to the sergeant, but as it was uncertain whether 
that worthy was dead or alive, he could not expect 
anything from such a quarter. 

A search of his person brought to light a pocket- 
knife which had somehow escaped the Argus eyes of 
his captors. With this he set to work digging the 
mortar from between the stones. 

Slow progress was made, for the outside shell 
proved as hard as flint, but as time rolled on the in- 
domitable spirit of the prisoner kept him engaged, 
though his fingers were sore and bled from the con- 
tinued exertion. 

He knew not how time passed. Perhaps it was 
already after midnight, and his hours would be 
limited. This thought spurred him on to renewed 


20 


MOLLIE. 


exertions, and for a time the mortar fairly flew be- 
fore his vigorous attack. 

Once an opening was made, John could look out 
and see the stars. A shrewd observer of these 
heavenly bodies he had become in common with 
most soldiers during the war ; for when men march 
and bivouac for years, under the canopy of blue 
heaven, they are apt to be better acquainted with the 
bright constellations than those who dwell under the 
roofs of houses. 

Another necessary rest and he bent to his labor 
with all the energy a desperate man could show. 
The opening grew, but with a tardiness that was 
exasperating, to say the least. 

If the bit of steel would only hold out all might 
yet be well. 

The room in which he had been imprisoned was at 
the top of the house, and in his eager desire to es- 
cape the Yankee colonel had as yet given no thought 
as to how he should reach the ground when the 
breach in the wall was wide enough for him to crawl 
through. 

That must be left to the future, since there was no 
need of crossing a bridge until it loomed up before 
him. 

Such indomitable energy was certain of its reward, 
and when the prisoner had buckled to his work for 
the fifth time, he realized that the end was near, in 
so far as it related to his enlarging the fissure to a 
proper size. 

It had required considerable tact on his part to 
avoid dropping portions of the stone and dried plaster 
outside. 

What little did fall seemed to strike some wooden 
object below. 

This gave him a strong hope that there might be a 
roof under his window. 

The time had come to make an observation, and 


A BREAK FOE LIBERTY. 


21 


thrusting his head through, John surveyed the situa- 
tion as well as the circumstances allowed. 

It did not take him long to decide that unless he 
could find a piece of rope, or some other means of 
lowering himself to the roof he saw some ten feet 
below, escape in this quarter were one of the things 
more to be observed in the breach than the fulfill- 
ment. 

True, he might lower himself as far as his arms 
would reach and then drop in a heap — such a fall 
could hardly injure an athletic fellow of his build ; 
but it was sure to create a tremendous row, and his 
chances of ultimate escape must be rendered exceed- 
ingly slender. 

And while he pondered, another exceedingly 
bright idea flashed into his mind. 


CHAPTER IV. 

A BREAK FOR LIBERTY. 

Why not try in another direction? 

If to descend entailed too much danger of discov- 
ery, what chance was there for him above? 

The thought aroused new hopes. 

John, in examining his limited quarters as well as 
he was able under the peculiar conditions surround- 
ing him, had long since realized that the ‘‘boudoir” 
spoken of by the worthy squire, as his apartment for 
the night was really a portion of the attic. 

This he had been able to decide by the sloping of 
the roof, besides the fact of its being destitute of 
windows save one mere slit in the wall, of no pos- 
sible advantage to any one seeking egress. 

He had even discovered more positive proof in the 
shape of a trap-door or heavy scuttle, and a thrill of 


22 


A BREAK FOR LIBERTY. 


hope had shot through his mind when this first pre- 
sented itself before him ; but upon careful examina- 
tion he found it to be secured with a strong chain 
and padlock which neither his muscular power nor 
his ingenuity could dislodge. 

When, after feeling that the risk of a fall upon the 
roof below was too great to be recklessly taken, 
Colonel John twisted his head and looked above, he 
felt very much in the humor for giving vent to a 
shuut, 

' .Ohe roof sloped down within reaching distance of 
his embrasure. 

A determined man, crawling out of the opening, 
and resolved to risk everything on the cast of a die 
could at least grasp the coping. 

After that success or failure must rest entirely with 
his own muscular powers. 

This soldier had seen too much of danger not to 
have a contempt for its menace — familiarity often 
breeds such a feeling in the breast of a brave man. 

He only waited long enough to correctly gauge 
the distance and make sure his muscles were in good 
condition. 

Then, pressing outward, he stretched his arms up- 
ward until the edge of the roof was within his grasp. 

Another moment and he stood erect — one leg was 
tiirowii up over the coping — a muscular tension of 
Iv: ^ivbletic frame, and the .thing had been accom- 
plished. 

John Ridgeway lay upon the sloping roof of the 
Granger house, a free man, so far as bonds or prison 
walls were concerned, and yet in some other respects 
more of a prisoner than he had ever dreamed 'might 
be his lot, since the bonds of matrimony had infolded 
him in their meshes, and a strange sensation around 
the region of his heart began to whisper of memories 
long buried under the weight of years — sweet mem- 


A BEEAK FOE LIBEETY. 


23 


ories of boyhood days in which Mollie Granger 
figured as his sweetheart. 

He lay quietly upon the roof for a little time to 
recover his breath before venturing upon a voyage of 
exploration. 

The battle was not yet won — no one knew this 
better than Colonel John. 

Bitter experience had long aga taught him the 
lesson that it was folly to shout until he had entirely 
left the woods behind him. 

The crowing of a cock in the direction of the 
negro quarters, seemed to arouse him. 

Surely it could not be near dawn — this was only 
the midnight clarion challenge of a feathered warrior 
troubled by dreams of glory, and which would doubt- 
less be answered by rival chanticleers in the neighbor- 
hood, if by rare good luck the fortune of war had 
allowed their heads to remain upon their coveted 
bodies. 

The first act of the soldier was to allow himself to 
slide down the sloping roof until he rested his feet in 
the gutter. 

This gave him an opportunity to relieve the strain 
upon his arms. 

Surely he must discover some means of reaching 
the ground in safety — be it a water-pipe or a light- 
ning rod, he cared little, since the opportunity was 
what he sought. 

Creeping along the gutter, he endeavored to dis- 
cover how the land lay. 

It was hard to distinguish the ground from his 
elevated position. 

He had strong hopes that one of the many trees 
growing in the vicinity of the Southern mansion 
might have sent a limb out in such a way as to over- 
lap the gutter. 

Should fortune deal kindly with him it would be 


24 


A BEEAK FOR LIB^ERTr. 


an easy matter to make use of sucli a life ladder in 
order to set foot once more upon terra Jirma, 

By degrees the colonel made his way from one end 
of the roof to the other. 

Success had been meagre indeed, since it was only 
conspicuous by its absence. 

Not a single tree offered a friendly limb. 

True, he did discover a tin water-spout at the 
centre, but here would be considerable risk in at- 
tempting a descent through such means. 

Rather than climb the slope of the roof and de- 
scend again on the other side he resolved to trust his 
weight to the water-pipe. 

It appeared to carry the water from the upper roof 
to one below — as near as he could make out this 
latter was almost flat, and must doubtless cover the 
colonnade connecting the main house with the kitchen 
in true Southern style, with which John was quite 
familiar. 

“Well, nothing venture, nothing gain,” the soldier 
muttered, grimly, as he began to lower himsdf over 
the edge of the gutter. 

With his knees he clutched the tin water-pipe, and 
presently was hanging there half way down to the 
shed. 

Serious doubts as to the stability of the pipe now 
assumed a leading place in his mind, but he had gone 
too far to retreat. 

Alas ! his fears proved too well grounded. 

The good book tells us a horse is a vain thing for 
safety and gives us to understand that the man who 
places reliance in his steed must certainly be lacking 
in due caution ; but if this be so what shall be said of 
one who risks his life and liberty upon the stability 
of an inanimate water-pipe that has done duty for 
many years as a carrier of surplus floods? 

He certainly'takes chances. 

Colonel John had no warning. 


A BREAK FOR LIBERTY. 


25 


The wretched fabric gave way the very instant his 
full weight rested upon it. 

Having no hold above, below, it was natural that 
the doughty warrior should make a much more ex- 
peditious descent than he had calculated on in his 
most sanguine moments. 

As a goodly portion of the treacherous pipe— 
which must certainly have had sympathetic leanings 
in the direction of the hard-pressed Confederacy, 
judging by its quick betrayal of the escaping Federal 
— accompanied John in his hasty descent, it may be 
safely assumed that the advent of soldier and tinware 
upon the roof of the colonnade was marked by suffi- 
cient racket to arouse the Seven Sleepers, or go far 
toward awakening the dead. 

When a man makes an unpremeditated and in- 
glorious plunge such as the colonel found to be his 
portion, he is given no time or opportunity to grace- 
fully carry out his part. 

Thus our hero landed on the lower roof in a posi- 
tion about as sprawling as that of a frog — his one 
immediate thought being to prevent himself from 
continuing the fall as far as the ground. 

The clatter would, of course, arouse every soul 
about the plantation. 

This was a foregone conclusion. 

He grimly admitted that his chances to escape just 
then were slim indeed. 

Singularly enough, hardly had the soldier made 
sure that he was not fated to roll off the lower roof 
like a log,, than he became possessed with an insati* 
able desire to accomplish this same result. 

Ivoud outcries could be heard — men shouted to one 
another — lights flashed through the windows of the 
old house, and the excitement was communicated to 
the negro quarters. 

One glance showed John several men running in 


26 


A BREAK FOR LIBERTY. 


tlie direction of the house, the leader carrying a 
lighted lantern. 

It was a time for action, since a delay would bring 
his enemies on the scene, and render all chances of 
escape hopeless. 

He neither knew nor cared how great a distance 
lay between himself and the ground. 

It could not be very great. 

, At any rate he must take the chances. 

So over he went, not in a mad leap, but by hang- 
ing with his hands and lowering his body managing 
to shorten his fall. 

Here again fortune played him a bad turn. 

There are times when the jade seems to take posi- 
tive delight in tormenting her votaries. 

It chanced that John had thrown himself over just 
above a door leading from the colonnade, and that at 
the instant he released his hold above, this flew open, 
giving egress to the doughty planter, half-dressed 
and wholly alarmed, for the dreadful confusion 
which had aroused him from slumber could have but 
one meaning — the hostile army had arrived and was 
engaged in bombarding his castle. 

When, therefore, a weighty object came crashing 
down upon him, the squire promptly went to grass, 
but in his desperation wrapped his arms around the 
escaping soldier and at the same time bellowed lustily 
for assistance. 

Colonel John was not in a condition to offer such 
resistance as his superior strength might guarantee, 
since his arms were clasped at his sides by the fren- 
zied embrace of his enemy. 

Had they been left to themselves, in all probability 
he would in due time have overcome the squire, but 
this chance was not given. 

Attracted by the bull-like roars of the gentleman 
planter, his overseer and some of the help hastened 
to the spot. 


A BEEAK FOE LIBEETY. 


27 


Colonel John was quickly pounced upon and tightly 
held. 

The scene was very impressive as the squire arose 
to his feet, feeliqg of his collar-bone to make sure it 
had not iDeen broken by the tremendous shock of a 
falling human planet. 

As yet he did not grasp the true nature of the 
midnight disturbance — awakened by a fearful racket 
that savored of a bombardment and the rattle of 
musketry he had dashed out of the house only to be 
floored so unceremoniously. 

When he found no hostile regiments drawn up in 
battle array, and no cannon belching out their fiery 
thunder, a glimmer of the truth began to penetrate 
the squire’s mind. 

It was like the first gleam of dawn breaking over 
the far eastern horizon. 

“Skaggs!” he called out. 

“I’m here, sir,” answered the overseer. 

“You were with the boys when they captured 
my — er — son-in-law. Colonel Emmett of the Yankee 
army of invasion?” 

“I helped get him,” growled the other. 

“You said there was another with hii?i?” 

“That’s true, sir. ” 

“And he got away?” 

“Sorry to say he did, sir, though I’d a sworn I 
fired clean through the varmint,” continued the 
venomous Skaggs, who apparently lived under the 
impression so prevalent in the South during those 
bitter days that the only good Yankee was a dead 
Yankee. 

As for Colonel John, he rejoiced at the news, for 
the honest sergeant had been with him on more than 
one dangerous mission, and he felt more interest in 
his welfare than common. 

“I see it now,” declared the squire, “that fellow 
has not deserted his companion, but has hovered 


28 


A BEEAK 1 OE LIBEKTY. 


around seeking a chance to assist him. Well, we 
have two prisoners in place of one. I think I deserve 
some praise from General Johnston for such meritori- 
ous services. If every man did as well we’d soon 
have Sherman’s hosts back of the stockade at Ander- 
son ville. ” 

‘'Reckon you’re kinder a little mixed, squire,” 
said the overseer, with a grin — trust his sharp, ferrit- 
like eyes for discovering the truth. 

“How so — this can’t be one of our fellows?” 

“Take a look, sir. ” 

The lantern was raised until its rays fell upon the 
smiling countenance of the soldier. 

“How are you, squire? Really, I ought to apolo- 
gize for dropping so unexpectedly on your shoulders. 
If events that could not have been anticipated have 
made you my respected father-in-law on this night, I 
assure you I had no intention of so soon becoming a 
burden upon you. Besides, you spoiled my little plan 
of escape.” 

“Confusion! how did you get here?” 

“Surely you of all persons ought to know that I 
descended from above. ’ ’ 

“But — how did you get out, sir?” 

“A little breach of etiquette — that is all. I am not 
a stone mason or a brick-layer by trade, but in an 
emergency a man can do almost anything, you 
know, ” laughed the prisoner. 

“By all that’s wonderful I believe he dug out!” 
exclaimed the planter, amazed. 

“That’s easily seen, sir.” 

“Bring the fellow along while we investigate. I 
never would have believed it possible. Why, the 
wall is six inches thick. I’ll take my oath.” 

“Nearer ten, I’m willing to swear,” returned the 
cool customer, as he walked along in the midst of his 
enemies without a sign of fear. 

An investigation showed them just how the Yankee 


A BBEAK FOR LIBERTY. 


2d 

had made his escape, and as men admire daring, no 
matter under what flag it may be found, the planter 
could not help expressing his surprise. 

“Colonel Emmett, you are a bold man, I am bound 
to confess, but this does not seem to be one of your 
lucky nights. Skaggs, block that hole up, take the 
knife away from him, and then he can spend the re- 
mainder of the night in cursing his misfortune. To- 
morrow, my dear sir, you shall see the interior- of 
Atlanta in advance of Sherman’s hosts.” 

With these consoling words the planter withdrew, 
the door was locked and once more slience' reigned 
through the Granger house. 

An hour passed. 

Colonel John was not yet ready to give up. 

He examined the wall, and found that a heavy 
plank had been placed across the opening, so securely 
fastened at either end that no matter how he strained 
and tugged he could not budge the barrier one inch. 

This put an end to his calculations in. that direc- 
tion. He sat down to evolve some other plan, and 
while thus engaged was startled to hear a key rattle 
in the lock. Instantly he conceived the idea of leap- 
ing upon his visitor, and thus making his escape. He 
crouched by the door, under which he now saw a ray 
of light — he held his breath and gathered his energies 
for a sudden tiger-like leap. 

Then the door swung back, but John did not move. 
Instead of the burly overseer, or the Confederate 
officer, his eyes fell upon the figure of the Georgia 
girl, and he heard her peculiarly soft voice say, 
coldly : 

“Silence on your life, barbarian. It is only I — 
Mollie!” 


30 IT WAS ONLY DUTY THAT UKGED HER TO SAVE HIM. 


CHAPTER V. 

IT WAS ONLY DUTY THAT URGED HER TO SAVE HIM. 

The peculiar expression used by the young girl did 
not surprise John a particle. He had met many 
Southern ladies during his years of service, and 
understood their strange notion that gentlemen were 
only to be found south of Mason and Dixon’s line. 
In their eyes Northern men were savages, mudsills, 
barbarians, and in their ardent love for the cause 
they never hesitated to express themselves very 
plainly. 

He recovered himself immediately, relieved to find 
there was no cause for action on his part. Her pres- 
ence suggested the idea that she had come to save 
him. How could he help but feel a certain spasm of 
emotion. She had been made his wife by the sacred 
rites of the church — could it be possible she took 
enough interest in him to assume this risk? 

One glance into her face knocked this conceit out 
of him — it was as cold as marble. He took warning 
and was on his guard. 

‘‘I am glad to see you, Miss Mollie. The darkness 
is anything but pleasant. May I ask if your father 
has changed, his mind and concluded to let me 
escape?” 

He was too wise to refer in any way to the pecu- 
liar relations existing between them. Mistress Mollie 
would have been nearer the mark. 

She frowned at the sound of his voice. 

‘‘You must not speak except in a whisper. My 
father has not relented — it is still his intention to 


IT WAS ONLY DUTY THAT URGED HER TO SAVE HIM. 31 

hand you over in the morning. I have believed it my 
duty to right the wrong he has done you.” 

“And you have come to save me?” 

Perhaps there was a trifle too much of eagerness in 
his voice, for she seemed colder than ever. John felt 
as though he had done a mortal wrong in standing 
there and going through the ceremony. Nevertheless, 
to himself he was saying: 

“Perhaps fortune will give me the opportunity to 
break down this reserve — who knows? It is not 
natural — caused by this unrighteous war which must 
soon be over. I have hopes that this queenly girl, 
whom I knew and loved as a child, may yet be my 
Mollie.” 

It may be set down as positive that he did not 
utter these thoughts aloud. The high-spirited South- 
ern maid would have scorned him and possibly have 
left him to his fate. 

“I have come to offer you liberty. Remember, sir, 
I do this not because I have the slightest interest in 
your welfare, for I hope and expect never to see you 
again ; but I believe my father deceived you — that 
had you understood what he meant you might have 
refused to be sacrificed on the altar of connubial 
folly.” 

John started, recognizing his own words. 

“Pardon — I did not know you overheard my re- 
mark. There was more in the s_entence than you 
have quoted — a sort of homeopathic remedy, as it 
were. I was a bachelor and never expected to marry. 
That would account for my words.” 

“Say no more. The subject is distasteful to me. If 
you still desire you freedom, come, and make no 
noise on your life. There are those who would only 
be too glad to cause a vacancy in your regiment.” 

She turned and walked away, carrying the lantern 
at her side. John quietly closed the door, locked it, 
and carried off the key. Then he followed the girl. 


32 IT WAS ONLY DUTY THAT UEGED HER TO SAVE HIM. 

Presently they passed the overseer. He had made 
himself as comfortable as the circumstances would 
allow, and seemed to be in a heavy sleep. John be- 
lieved he partly opened one eye as they passed, and 
this gave him the notion that the fellow was sham- 
ming. If so, the influence of the young girl must 
have been exerted to bring about such a result. 

She led him to the open air. There was a satis- 
faction about breathing the bracing atmosphere again 
after spending hours in the stuffy attic prison. 

“There is your path, Yankee. I hope you will 
reach your regiment in safety, and remember that 
promise you have given in writing,” she said. 

“I shall endeavor not to offend. Miss Mollie. The 
fortunes of war are peculiar. Who knows what may 
occur? If I can be of assistance ” 

“You need not finish your sentence. I have a 
father and a brother to protect me. Should we by 
chance meet again, it will be as strangers.” 

“Still you must confess that it is rather hard, 
under the circumstances. I donT see what should 
hinder us from being friends. ^ ’ 

Her eyes flashed fire at once and she drew herself 
up like a young tragedy queen. 

“That could never be. I am a Georgia girl — you a 
Yankee soldier. You have come down to our country 
to bring ruin and death. All that I know and love 
have suffered through your hands. Rivers of blood 
have flown — our wealth has become poverty — we 
have nothing left to fight for but our honor. For 
this, then, I hate you and yours— I can never forgive 
the wrong done. Your way lies yonder — mine is here. 
Go, then, and cease to remember that Mollie Granger 
exists. ’ ’ 

John was a man who never knew what despair 
meant. Even these bitter words were preferable to 
contemptuous silence. 

At any rate, he must be content with the situation 


IT WAS ONLY DUTY THAT UHGEI) HEK TO SAVE HIM. 33 

as he found it. Freedom was a boon which he could 
not afford to despise. The shadow of that, terrible 
Andersonville had haunted him for some hours past. 

“You will at least allow me to thank you for your 
kindness,’’ he said, humbly. 

“There is no necessity. I am doing this from a 
sense of duty, not because I have the least interest in 
your welfare. ” 

“Will you shake hands with me? Since I am 
never to see you again I should like to know that at 
least your feeling against me is not deeper than what 
you naturally entertain toward all Federal officers. ’ ’ 

“I have vowed never to accept the hand of a 
Northern man,” she said, stoutly. 

“But I am Southern born.” 

“So much the more shame to you then. I may yet 
be sorry for having assisted at your escape. ’ ’ 

“I believe there are extenuating circumstances. 
At any rate I have gone according to my convictions. 
Men in the North who sympathize with the South 
are not socially ostracized. Since you will not shake 
hands I shall relieve you of my presence. You do 
not suspect that we have met before. ’ ’ 

“Impossible. ” 

“It was many years ago. You were a small girl 
in distress, having fallen into the brook where the 
old foot-bridge crosses it. A youth passing by fished 
you out and helped you home. Do you remember 
the occasion?” 

What he said so aroused her interest that she for- 
got her recent avowal of antipathy and even placed a 
hand upon his arm while looking earnestly into his 
face. 

“I can hardly believe that you are that same John 
Ridgeway — and yet, several times I have had a sus- 
picion that youriace reminded me of some one in the 
long ago. Still, it makes no difference” — drawing 
away from him — “for I cannot honor a man who 


34 THE FINDING OF THE DRUM-HEAD COURT. 

dons the bine, when he should be wearing the 
gray.’’ 

“And yet, it seems that I have been the means of 
saving Lyndhurst. I understand how you feel, and 
believe me, I shall never attempt to overstep the line 
of agreement laid down in that paper I signed. All 
the same, permit me to say a strange drama, is bound 
to occur in and around Atlanta when Sherman takes 
the city, and possibly John Ridgeway, colonel, may 
again be of service to the girl whom the fortune of 
war has made — his wife. ’ ^ 

“How dare you?” she cried, for he had suddenly 
taken her hand and pressed it. 

“We will meet again,” said John, gallantly, re- 
moving his cap and bowing as he moved off. 

“Not with my consent, sir,” she flashed back, but 
he smiled and walked away under the shadows of the 
trees, nor did Mollie retreat within the house until 
John Ridgeway had quite vanished from view. 


CHAPTER VI. 

THE FINDING OF THE DRUM-HEAD COURT. 

As he walked with a springy step down under the 
arching linden trees, Colonel John looked back once 
more over his shoulder. 

It gave him the most peculiar sensation of his life 
to see that white-robed figure standing in the small 
side door- way — a charm was upon him, and no 
longer could this man of iron nerves know the peace 
that had been his of yore. 

“Jove! it seems like a dream. No longer John 
Ridgeway, bachelor, but a married man, and my 
charming wife has just told me she hates me. Be- 
sides, I am bound by a pledge never to claim her 


THE FINDING OF THE DRUM-^HEAD COURT. 85 

unless with her consent. Ridiculous affair all around, 
and yet when one stops to analyze it, the different 
features are reasonable enough. They will save the 
plantation by this move, and as for me, I had no 
choice since it was a plain question of wed or be 
hung as a spy. The moon tells me it is somewhere 
near midnight, not more than an hour after. Plenty 
of time left to finish my task, and perhaps I can dis- 
cover something of poor Shanks, though I still fear 
they finished him at the time of that shot.’^ 

He had not forgotten the lay of the land, and was 
able to reach the outskirts of the old plantation. 
Rendered doubly cautious by his experience earlier 
in the night, John advanced in the direction of the 
house. 

To his surprise he saw a camp-fire glowing among 
the trees that grew so riotously along the edge of the 
neglected drive. This had not been there earlier in 
the night, and naturally it aroused his curiosity. 

The Federal forces could not have pushed an out- 
post forward, so it must be taken for granted that 
some of the many roving bands of Confederates about 
the city had settled down here for a short stay. 

John hardly cared to interview them. His business 
was of a different nature, and besides, he had seen 
enough of the enemy for one night. 

Moving figures came between the light and his 
eyes — evidently the men were on the albert. Perhaps 
their presence here had something to do with the 
great war game of chess, where regiments and army 
corps represented knights, rooks, and pawns. 

To make sure of his ground John crept in the direc- 
tion of the fire. Some peculiar fatality drew him in 
that quarter, even after he had decided that he 
wanted to keep quite clear of all who wore the 
gray. 

No guard challenged his advance, and he was 
enabled to flit from tree to tree until close enough to 


36 THE FINDING OF THE DRUM-HEAD COURT. 

note the faded uniform of the Confederates grouped 
about the fire. 

They were a score in number, and appeared to be 
simply waiting for some superior officer. As the 
night was chilly, they had started this fire in order to 
keep warm. 

Certain words reached John’s ears that caused him 
to turn and look in the direction of the house. 

To his surprise a light shone from several of the 
windows, nor was it stationary, but appeared to move 
from room to room. This aroused his wonder and 
even a suspicion flashed through his mind, which 
was hardly allowed to take shape, for there came a 
clattering of hoofs upon the drive-way, and several 
mounted men rode up to the fire. 

As the bright flames cast a ruddy glow upon their 
faces John saw that one of them was a very dashing 
looking officer, who impressed him as an autocrat of 
the first order. This party wore the uniform of a 
major — a new uniform, too, which was a rarity at 
this date among the distressed followers of the star 
and bars. 

John could not advance upon the house while 
parties were exploring the interior, and might as 
well remain there watching the enemy. 

He speculated as to the reason of this invasion, 
but could arrive at no conclusion beyond the thought 
that the men were seafehing for valuables in the 
deserted mansion. If the Yankees were soon to come 
into possession there was little need of leaving any- 
thing for their plundering hands. 

Even while John watched he saw a man hasten up 
to the fire, and in this worthy recognized the overseer 
of Squire Granger. 

The man showed evidence of exitement. He at 
once engaged the major in conversation, and the 
latter’s loud voice attested to the fact that the meas- 


THE FINDING OF THE DRUM-HEAD COURT. 37 

ure of intense interest had been communicated to 
him. 

It dawned upon John’s mind that his escape must 
have been discovered, and the overseer sent out by 
vSquire Granger to arouse any neighboring camp, so 
that searching parties might scour the neighborhood. 

Perhaps the man shrewdly suspected that John 
would return to the scene ‘o*f his capture, divining 
that he had some object in visiting the deserted 
mansion of old Fletcher Ridgeway. 

Men were soon scouring the gardens and passing 
among the trees. They entered into the spirit of the 
game with great zest, joking and laughing as 
they thrust bayonet or sword into each and every 
clump of bushes in a reckless rnanner, not at all con- 
ducive to the peace of mind of the man for whom 
they were searching. 

It was too late for John to retreat, since his move- 
ments must be seen. He realized the desperation of 
his position, and the probable fate that awaited him 
upon discovery. 

One thing caused him untold agony — this was his 
defenseless condition. 

Given arms with which to battle, and he would at 
least have had a desperate chance for his life. In his 
present state he could only grind his teeth and await 
the inevitable end. 

There was a slender chance that he might reach 
the house. A fringe of trees offered slig^ht encourage- 
ment in this line, and he immediately endeavored to 
make the most of the opportunity. 

In order to further the Reception John secured a 
three-foot splinter of wood, and with this he made 
sundry savage thrusts into bushes, and showed con- 
siderable enthusiasm in the hunt for the hiding 
Yankee. 

All seemed to be going well and he had almost 
reached the house undisturbed when an accident 


38 THE FINDING OF THE DRUM-HEAD COURT. 

ocurred that was not down on the bills, and upset 
his plans. 

Not seeing a trooper crawling under some bushes, 
John made a jab with his pointed stick. There fol- 
lowed a shout of rage, and a human cyclone de- 
scended upon him, with arms flying like flails and a 
bellowing voice demanding satisfaction. 

John was disgusted, foreseeing discovery in this in- 
cident. He might still have fled, but that was not 
according to his disposition. So he met his adversary 
face to face, and a furious hand-to-hand struggle 
ensued. 

Attracted by the row others came hurrying up, 
and it was speedily discovered that the trooper’s ad- 
versary, the man who fought with the skill of a pro- 
fessional boxer, was an utter stranger. 

“Surround them both — by my life we’ve cornered 
the fox, ” shouted the major, and John caught more 
than ordinary satisfaction in his strident tones. • 

Thus he soon found himself again a prisoner and 
roughly handled. 

“To the fire with him. I am curious to see this 
Yankee spy who has in one night run across my path 
and blackened my chances for future happiness,” 
said the major, and John could only dimly guess 
what it all meant, though his mind at once reverted 
to Mollie. 

“Do you identify him, Peters?” demanded the 
officer, as the overseer bent forward and peered into 
the face of the prisoner. 

“Positively — it’s the same critter, major.” 

“That’s bad — for him. I’m afraid Mollie will be 
wife and widow in one night. Here comes Crockett. 
We’ll have his opinion in the matter, and then 
organize a drum-head court. These unpleasant feat- 
ures of war are best done as quickly as possible. 

John caught the name and no longer wondered at 
the lights in the house. Crockett Ridgeway was a 


THE FINDING OF THE DBUM-HEAD Codin'. 39 

cousiia of his. They had not met since boys together, 
but there had never been much love lost between 
them. 

He shut his teeth hard and waited for what new 
developments the case would show. A short consul- 
tation ensued among the Confederate officers. John, 
with his hands bound and a guard on either side, ap- 
peared to take little interest in the proceedings until 
he was again brought forward to the fire, and found 
several pairs of keen eyes upon him. 

“Your name is John Emmett?’' was asked. 

“That is true.” 

“A Federal colonel doing duty as a spy?” 

“I am an officer in the Union Army, but deny the 
last part of your accusation. ’ ’ 

“Then why are you here?” 

Concealment was useless, since he felt that his 
cousin had already guessed his identity. 

“I desired to see my old hcrnie, and believed this 
place to be neutral ground,” he replied, boldly. 

The major laughed harshly, vindictively, John 
thought, and he could understand why, since it had 
developed that this man was a suitor for the hand of 
Mollie Granger, the Georgia girl, who only a few 
hours before had been made his wife through the 
decree of her father. 

“You are John Emmett Ridgeway, a cousin of 
Captain Crockett here?” pursued the Confederate. 

“It would be useless to deny it. My presence here 
at my old home sets the seal of truth upon my asser- 
tion. I am no spy. ’ ’ . 

“That remains for us to decide. I am given power 
’for such an emergency as this. You will have a 
chance for your life, my dear colonel, but I wouldn’t 
want to discount your prospects for living. It was a 
singular adventure, this night’s work of yours, but 
if Basil Worden has any power in the game, our 


40 


THE BIRD FLOWN. 


pretty Mollie need not worry long over the incum- 
brance forced upon her by the fortunes of war. ’ ’ 

At once the drum-head court convened. All was 
conducted with the utmost decorum governing such 
ghastly tribunals, and yet it seemed a hollow mock- 
ery. The end did not surprise John — he was sen- 
tenced to be hanged at the break of day. 


CHAPTER VII. 

THE BIRD FLOWN. 

John heard his sentence calmly. He was endowed 
with a remarkable faculty for concealing his feelings, 
just as the American Indian in times gone by was 
wont to sing and taunt his enemies while they were 
engaged in torturing him at the stake. 

Four hours to live ! It was not a very long time, 
but a man with an active mind may consider his 
whole life in less than that. 

He was placed under guard, and just as he ex- 
pected soon faced his cousin. The other was a man 
whose face could hardly be taken as an index to his 
character, for it was that of a human sphinx. 

“My dear fellow, believe me I’m sorry to find you 
in such a trap, ’ ’ remarked Crockett. 

“But you voted with the rest,” said John, 
quickly. 

“It would have made no difference — the majority 

was against you, and ” looking around cautiously 

— “I had an object in making them believe we were 
old-time foes. ” 

His words and manner might have deceived some 
men, and aroused hopes that would never be ful- 
filled; but Colonel John remembered this cousin of 
old, remembered that he never acted without some 


THE BIBD FLOWN. 


41 


deep motive back of it. Hence, he maintained his 
cool manner. 

“Then you really take an interest in my welfare?’ 
It pleases me to know it, Crockett. ’ ’ 

“We are of the same blood. I should be sorry to 
have a Ridgeway hung, and here on the old grounds 
of all places in the world. ” 

“That is encouraging. Canyon do anything to 
prevent the little ceremony?” 

“It is in my power to effect your escape.” 

“Ah! that is generous. I have wronged you in 
my mind, my dear fellow.” 

“Wait. I confess there is a motive in this.” 

“Cousinly regard?” with a sneer. 

“Hang it, no. This war has obliterated all such 
feelings. I am mercenary I admit.” 

“But I have no means of recompense.” 

“Don’t be too sure of that, John, I know what 
brought you here to-night.” 

“The duseyoudo, ” returned the other, with a 
start, as the truth flashed upon him, and he remem- 
bered that lights had recently been moving from 
room to room in the house. 

“Believing that this house might be burned when 
Atlanta falls into Sherman’s hands, as it will to- 
morrow, you have cdme here to secure certain papers 
that were secreted somewhere in the old building 
years ago. ” 

John made no answer. 

“Your silence tells me I am on the right track. 
Now listen to my proposition. Tell me where I can 
find that packet, which is as valuable to me as to 
you, and I swear on my honor as a gentleman and a 
Confederate officer to manage your escape before 
morning. ’ ’ 

“Give me time to think it over. ” 

“Just five minutes, no more. I shall not approach 
you again on the subject. If you refuse you know 


42 


THE BIED FLOWN. 


the penalty. At any rate I believe I can yet find 
what I want without your assistance. ^ ^ 

He stood, holding his watch in his hand. 

“Remember, you have made a bitter enemy out of 
Major Worden by your peculiar business marriage 
with Mollie Granger. He is eager to make her a 
widow this night. Three minutes have aleady flown, 
think fast, my dear cousin. It means life or death to 
you. ’’ 

Already John had decided that it was folly to think 
of putting any confidence in this man, whom he 
knew of old. 

Besides, another thing helped him to decide. As 
his eyes ranged over the bushes he caught a fleeting 
glimpse of a head that was momentarily raised and 
then as speedily dropped out of sight, but not before 
he had recognized the homely features of Sergeant 
Shanks. 

“The time is up, cousin,” said Crockett. 

“I have nothing to say,” remarked John, calmly. 

The other looked at him closely. 

“You are a fool, John Ridgeway. Well, have your 
own wa}^, and stretch hemp,” with which he turned 
upon his heel and walked off. 

Time passed on. 

Those around the fire had not changed their posi- 
tions to any extent, but seemed to be engaged in a 
conversation that engrossed their whole attention. 

Once more the lights were flashing about the win- 
dows of the old mansion, for Crockett, inspired with 
new zeal after his interview with his cousin had 
again entered upon a search for the missing packet. 

More than once John glanced that way, a little 
uneasy lest the other might by a turn of fortune dis- 
cover the loose stone in the hearth. 

Thus he waited, having confidence in the ability 
of the sergeant to accomplish something, for the 
other was an old campaigner. 


THE BIRD FLOWN. 


43 


The night was nearing its end, and presently in 
the east would come the blush of early morn. Already 
the mocking bird’s twitter could be heard among the 
trees heralding the coming of day, when Major 
Worden arose and called to one of his men. 

“Fetch the rope. Bob. This is an unplesaant 
duty, but soldiers must get accustomed to such 
things. One the less Yankee to enter Atlanta counts 
for something, anyhow. Serves him right for coming 
here. Now to rid myself of a rival and Mollie of a 
husband.” 

Bob evidently knew where to find the rope, for he 
soon appeared with it in his hands. A limb belong- 
ing to a monster live oak close to the fire offered a 
fine opportunity-, and the same Bob proceeded to cast 
the rope over it which feat was accomplished after 
a few ineffectual tosses. 

“Let me make the loop,” said the major, eager to 
have a hand in the execution, for somehow he had 
taken a sudden hatred for this Federal soldier, whom 
destiny had thrown across his path. 

Jealously is a demon that reckons little of conse- 
quences, when the flame has been once aroused, and 
this was the true, cause of Worden’s hatred. 

“Bring the prisoner,” came the next order. 

Several men started forward to obey. Then Came 
a sudden shout. 

Major Worden, guessing that something was 
wrong, sprang in the direction from whence the cry 
came. He saw his men gathered around a bound and 
gagged figure, but to his amazement and chagrin, in- 
stead of recognizing the man doomed to die at dawn, 
he found himself looking upon the guard who had 
been left to watch the other. 

Colonel John was gone ! 

The guard being released was immediately over- 
whelmed with questions, but could tell little about 
it all. He had received a sudden severe blow on the 


44 


THROUGH FLAME AND SMOKE. 


head, caught a glimpse of a gaunt face bending over 
him, and felt rough hands laid on his person when 
unconsciousness relieved him of his senses. 

Confusion ensued, but the search was fruitless. 
Having had plenty of time in which to make their 
escape the fugitives were ere now far away, perhaps 
within the Union lines. 

Major Worden could only gnash his teeth with 
rage, and renew his oath to make the charming 
Mollie a widow should the opportunity ever come 
within his reach again. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

THROUGH FLAME AND SMOKE. 

It was the fateful day of Altanta’s fall. The 
Federal forces had so environed the city that nothing 
was left to the Southern Army but a farther retreat. 

Never to be forgotten were the scenes that marked 
the departure of the brave men who had battled 
against superior numbers with a valor the equal of 
which history has seldom chronicled. 

Eoved ones were left behind. True, it was known 
that Sherman had an iron hand and would permit no 
plundering that could be avoided ; but when such a 
change takes place many scenes occur that proclaim 
the clashing of men’s passions. 

Soon smoke arose in many quarters. 

Here the retiring Confederates put the torch to 
huge piles of cotton rather than have it fall into the 
hands of the victorious Federals. In other quarters 
houses could be seen ablaze, perhaps fired by one of 
the numerous bands of guerrillas that haunted the 
course of the rival armies. 

Through copse and over hill a squadron of Federal 
cavalry dashed, heading for the region where we 


THEOUGH FLAME AND SMOKE. 45 

have witnessed these strange scenes on the previous 
night. At their head rode Colonel John and near 
him the sergeant. . 

‘‘The house is on fire, kiirnel;’’ cried the latter, as 
they rounded a bend in the wood. 

Flames burst from many windows, and his ances- 
tral home was doomed. Perhaps Crockett Ridgeway, 
determined to ruin if he could not rule, had applied 
the match. 

A headlong rush was made. Colonel John threw 
himself from his horse, determined to risk much in 
order to save the papers. One sweeping glance he 
took and then dashed into the hall-way. 

At this very moment a cry, was heard — a cry that 
might have been of distress and came in a woman’s 
voice, reaching John’s ears while he was battling 
with stifling smoke. 

There was no time for John Ridgeway to cbnsider 
the matter, for he found himself compelled to buffet 
billows of smoke on his way to the well -remembered 
dining-room, where the great hearth and chimney- 
place were to be found. 

Some woman had seen him enter, and in her weak- 
ness screamed— that was the conclusion he reached, 
his mind being bent upon securing the precious 
papers. 

Reaching the ^hearth he found fire in the room. 

The yawning chimney served as a suction valve, 
and there was a roaring sound not unlike the throb- 
bing of a fire engine, as smoke and flames rushed 
toward the opening. 

Down on his knees went the soldier, and for the 
second time his eager hands touched the hearth -stone 
under which he expected to find the realization of his 
hopes or else despair. 

Fortune was kind. 

When he had snatched the packet of yellow papers 


46 THROUGH FLAME AND SMOKE. 

from the hiding-place in which it had lain for years, 
he hastily buttoned his coat over the prize. 

Then for escape. . • -u -u 

Already the passage-way by means of which he 
had I entered was no longer a possible outlet, for 
tongues of flame had crept across it, forming an 
effectual barrier. 

Colonel John was a man equal to almost any 
emergency, and, with a bound, he reached one of the 
windows. 

A kick sent the shivered glass flying in every 
direction, and left an outlet for escape. 

How cool and delicious the air that was sucked in 
at this opening ; after his brief experience with flame 
and smoke John felt as though he could not get 
enough of it. 

Through the window he made a flying leap and 
landed safely on the ground. 

The first thing that struck him was the fact that 
the unknown woman still screamed. 

He ran around the house to where he had left his 
men, and before reaching them saw a sight that 
caused an awful sensation to overwhelm him — a 
spectale that no man could look upon unmoved. 

In an upper window of the doomed Southern man- 
sion he saw a face and waving arms. 

The smoke clouds drifted past and all John could 
tell was that the one in peril seemed to be a female. 

It dawned upon him then that the screams he had 
heard as he plunged into the house in search of the 
papers under the hearth-stone must have been cries 
of distress. 

If he had only known it before, instead of devoting 
his time to saving the papers he could have rescued 
this unknown who had called so loudly for assistance. 

Was it too late now? 

John took in the whole situation with a compre- 
hensive glance. 


THROUGH FLAME AND SMOKE. 47 

Knowing the lay of the land, he saw there was a 
single chance of reaching the room from whence the 
girl signaled so wildly. 

Sergeant Shanks, with several of the troopers, had 
hastened to secure a ladder they had discovered 
alongside an outbuilding. 

It would be too short to reach the window, and 
there seemed little chance that the girl could pass 
through such a small opening. • 

Fortunately John was a man of quick invention, a 
man who could see the best way out of a difficulty. 

He took the one chance. 

Shouting an order to the sergeant lie made a mo- 
tion of encouragement to the flame-imprisoned girl 
above. 

Then he burst in a rear door and sprang up the 
back steps three at a time. 

Any stranger would have made a mess of the 
whole business, but John, knowing every foot of 
the way, could utilize each fleeting second. 

Heaven knows there was need of haste. 

Once he staggered back aghast, as a forked sea of 
fire flashed athwart his path ; but when it drew away 
its poisonous tongue he rushed blindly on. 

There would be no returning over this same route, 
but John cared not for that. 

He could find some other means of attaining the 
same end, being a man of ingenuity. 

The room in which the girl was confined was a 
portion of the attic, for differing from most Southern 
houses the old Ridgeway mansion had a high roof. 

Who she was and how she came there — these were 
questions that John did not bother himself about. 

Ascending the last flight of stairs he found himself 
at the door of the small room. 

It was closed. 

When he tried to open it he found himself baffied. 

Then he shook the door savagely. 


48 


THUOtTGH FLAME AND SMOKE. 


“Open — open !” he shouted. 

“I cannot— I am locked in, a prisoner,’’ came in- 
distinctly from beyond the door, for the flames were 
roaring and crackling with the fury of demons. 

He had not suspected this before, and the fact 
horrified him. Who could have been so cruel as to 
shut this girl up here and fire the house? 

John threw his weight against the door. 

It was not a cumbersome affair and when one who 
possessed such strength as nature had given to John 
Ridgeway beat upon it with desperate energy, some- 
thing was bound to give way. 

Thus he entered a room filled with smoke, entered 
it to find no one at the window, for the girl prisoner 
had sunk down in a heap. 

Seeing that she was too exhausted to follow him, 
he immediately swept her form into his arms and 
turned to retreat. 

The attic room was in a direct line of the fire, and 
in a few minutes must be ablaze, so that his rescue 
had been none too soon. 

Just as he expected his retreat was cut off, for the 
flames seemed to have followed him, and already the 
passage-way was a roaring abyss. 

Having already made up his mind as to what he 
should do John moved along to the short ladder that 
went to the roof. 

Here was a scuttle which he burst through and 
gained the open air with his burden. 

Instead of bettering his condition it would seem as 
though John had gone deeper into the trap, but he 
knew what he was about, and had given the sergeant 
orders with this end in view. 

He could see nothing around him, such were the 
volumes of smoke that arose. 

The whole east end of the building was already in 
the grasp of the fiery octopus, and a west wind blow- 


THROUGH FLAME AND SMOKE. 49 

ing was all that saved him from being suffocated on 
the roof. 

As his only means of escape lay in the extreme 
west end of the house, it was in that direction John 
bore his half-fainting burden. 

She seemed like a child to him. 

He had not once looked in her face, over which 
the long loose black strands of hair had blown. 

It was enough for John Ridgeway to know she 
was a female in peril of her life, for chivalry lives in 
the breast of every son of the» South. 

Reaching the end of the roof he looked down. 

Through the eddying smoke that curled around 
the corners of .the house he could see that the ladder 
was coming, that it would speedily be placed in posi- 
tion. 

He crept down toward the gutter. 

If this failed him everything was lost, but thank 
Heaven the old wood was still firm, and John swung 
loose upon it. That strong arm sustained its double 
burden until he had acquired a certain momentum, 
when he broke loose and landed on the lower roof 
with some of the agility a cat would have shown. 

This done he made his way to the edge. 

Those below had discovered him and loud shouts 
attested the admiration they felt for their dashing 
leader. 

The ladder was reared aloft. 

By rare good luck it reached the edge of the roof, 
and John knew the game was saved. , 

He felt greatly relieved, for, brave soldier that his 
act had proved him to be, he could not face such a 
doom without a shudder. Any death was preferable 
in his eyes to that by fire. People take a particular 
aversion to certain things, and this was John’s beta 
noir. 

So he clambered down that ladder with the live- 


60 


FATE WEAVES THE FABRIC. 


liest kind of a thanksgiving tnne playing upon his 
heart-strings. 

As he reached the ground and staggered away with 
his burden, he was surprised to feel the girl struggle 
in his arms. 

“How dare you hold me so — I am able to stand. 
Please put me down, barbarian.’’ 

The voice — the manner gave him a shock, and 
mechanially he dropped the strong arm that had 
carried her from death to life — released his burden and 
stood there amazed, gazing at the face revealed to his 
eyes as she shook back the mass of black curly locks. 

It was Mollie — his girl wife ! 


CHAPTER IX. 

FATE WEAVES THE FABRIC. 

Amazed, almost stupefied, he looked at the Georgia 
girl whom fate had thrown across his path in such a 
remarkable way. 

“I beg your pardon if I was rough — ^the case de- 
manded action — it was a question of life and death,” 
he said at length, recovering his usual gentlemanly 
manner. 

“I would rather it had been anybody but you, sir, 
to whom I should be indebted for my life,” she said, 
coldly, but John only smiled in a grim way. 

“There’s no use trying to fight fate. I told you we 
would meet again, and it has come true. Nor do I 
believe this to be the end.” 

“Sir, remember that I said I hated you,” she 
burst out with some show of temper that must have 
been assumed, for no living woman could maintain 
such a feeling toward a dashing soldier who, at the 
risk of his own life, had snatched her from what 
threatened to be her funeral pyre. 


FATE WEAVES THE FABEIO. 


51 


‘‘Pardon me, again, if I say I don’t fully believe 
that ; but it does not matter at all. I am curious to 
know how you came to be fastened in that attic 
room, a place where, as a boy, I spent many an hour 
in play, and even once escaped doing penance up 
there by following the same route over which our 
line of retreat ran. How came that door locked?” 

She looked at him curiously. 

“What right have you to demand an answer?” 

“The best right in the world — that of a husband.” 

“I refuse to acknowledge the relation, sir.” 

“Just as you please. Then I have a right to ask 
the same question because my life was put in peril to 
save you. ” 

“On that account I will answer you. It was a 
strange thing for me to do. • I had not been over here 
for a year or more, though we keep the keys of the 
Ridgeway house. Perhaps the mention of your name 
last night stirred up some memories of pleasant ram- 
blings in these grounds in years gone by. 

“ At any rate I came, and having entered the house 
roamed all over it. A flood of memories swept over 
me as I went from room to room. 

“Suddenly I heard voices — looking out of the 
window I saw unknown men dismounting. I became 
alarmed. 

“Escape was no longer a possibility, and I retreated 
to that small room, hoping they would look for valu- 
ables and go away without discovering me. 

“My hopes were without foundation for I was seen 
by a man who came seeking some ^hidden wealth or 
valuable property. I have in these troublous times 
always gone armed, and my father taught me as a 
girl how to shoot. 

“When he would have seized me I put a bullet in 
his shoulder that sent him tumbling down the attic 
stairs. Then I slammed the door shut. It caught in 
some way, for I could not open it again when I dis- 


52 FATE WEAVES THE FABRIC. 

covered the house to be on fire. That is the story in 
brief, sir. You have no concern with other particu- 
lars. ’ ’ 

He knew there was more to it, yet would not pre- 
sume to ask questions. 

This haughty girl aroused his interest — just as the 
hunter’s keenest enthusiasm is awakened by the 
game that gives him the most trouble, so this man 
who all his life had fought shy of the gentler sex 
had met his fate in a way never known of men — 
foiced to wed to save his life, hated by the. girl who 
took his name in order to save the old plantation 
home, he now found himself actually swearing under 
his breath that in due time, sooner or later, he would 
hear from the lips of Mollie Granger the sweet con- 
fession of love. 

Thus, her very expression of dislike only served 
to arouse his determination. 

This man could carry a forlorn hope with his en- 
thusiasm — it would be strange if he were unable to 
storm the fortress of a girl’s heart, and compel a 
surrender, especially when fortune had in the start 
given him such an advantage as that of matrimony. 

“Allow me the privilege of seeing you home,” he 
said, courteously, but firmly. 

She opened her lips to refuse. 

“I shall go whether you say yes or no, so please 
don’t put yourself to the trouble. Your nerves have 
received a shock from this experience. Besides, the 
smoke has served to disguise you, so that the lady of 
Granger plantation might not be recognized. Just 
now the safest place for you is at home. Your shrewd 
father has seen to it that a guard will be thrown 
around his grounds. Come, let us go. Miss Mollie.” 

He gave a few orders to his men who mounted and 
went around by the main road. 

The two made use of the shorter path. In the 
dividing fence was a turnstile that had seen much 


FATE WEAVES THE FABKIC. 


63 


service in years gone by, but was decrepit from age 
now. 

-Not a word was spoken until they reached this, 
when John, looking back said: . 

“It makes me sad to see the old house go, but 
there are other relics in the South that must take 
their departure too — the relic of barbarism called 
slavery, for instance, the corner-stone of the Con- 
federacy, and which has done so much to wean from 
her cause the sympathy of the whole enlightened 
world. Well, some day a new house will arise there, 
much finer than the old, and when this cruel war is 
over I predict that over the ruins of slavery there 
will arise a new South beside which the old regime 
will not bear any comparison.” 

She made no reply, but, as ho stole a side glance 
at her face, while she stood watching the greedy 
flames completing their work, he could see that she 
was not displeased. 

Then they walked on. 

A strange couple — man and wife, made so by a 
minister of the gospel and the law of the land, yet 
almost strangers. 

Several times he allowed her to precede him, and 
on these occasions noted with considerable interest 
her proud carriage, for Mollie held her head like a 
queen. 

“Come,” John was saying to himself after the 
manner of a spoiled bachelor, “perhaps thabmarriage 
of convenience may not turn out such a bad thing 
for me after all. She is handsome, I must confess. I 
like her spirit, too, though when she says she hates 
me I remember that a woman often says something 
of that sort to cover up another feeling of growing 
interest. Well, since fate chooses to buffet me about 
after the manner of a foot-ball, I must submit to the 
inevitable. One thing sure — I won’t give up my 
wife tamely now. ” 


54 


FATE WEAVES THE FABBIO. 


Apparently John was making progress, and could 
not be compared with the same rather cynical 
bachelor who approached the Ridgeway manse on 
the preceding nighl, and found himself safely landed 
in the toils of matrimony. 

Given time he w^ould probably come out of the 
affair with credit. 

This aroused and growing interest in Mollie could 
easily be accounted for. 

First of all she was a charming girl, full of spirit, 
and ready at repartee. Then again fortune had caused 
him to assume the role of an emergency husband, an 
appendage taken for the purpose of saving her lovely 
home it is true, but none the less binding. 

He believed there was more connected with Mol- 
lie’s visit to the house than she had confessed — per- 
haps it had some connection with his recent arrival 
on the scene ; but he was too much of a diplomat to 
uncover his inner convictions. Besides, she indig- 
nantly denied feeling the least interest in him. 

They came in sight of her home. 

She showed some confusion, perhaps at the prospect 
of her father’s frown, but said nothing. The Federals 
were already in charge, thanks to the shrewd plan 
which the squire had manipulated — it was their 
duty to protect a place belonging to the wife of a 
Union soldier. 

These guards consisted of a detachment belonging 
to John’s own regiment. Perhaps there was some- 
thing more than accident in this. The colonel was 
high up in Sherman’s regard, and able to secure 
especial favors. 

Once Mollie stopped and looked straight into his 
face while she said, deliberately : 

“You are a gentleman — you gave a solemn promise 
last night — I trust you mean to keep it.” 

“To the letter, until I am absolved by permission 
from your own lips to refer to the subject.” 


THE DRUGGED WINE. 


65 


“That will never, never be,” she returned, coldly. 
“Pardon me, Iain not without hope,” said the 
Federal colonel, gravely, and somehow her cheeks 
turned scarlet under his well-bred but ardent gaze. 


CHAPTER X. 

THE DRUGGED WINE. 

Passing on they ascended the steps and stood upon 
the broad piazza. 

He could see the look of displeasure upon her face 
at sight of the. troops, who were making themselves 
as comfortable, as possible in the grounds. 

The uniform of blue was offensive to her, for the 
most bitter feelings had been aroused during the 
battles around Atlanta, where the fierce advance of 
Sherman’s legion was met by a resistance equally 
desperate. 

When Squire Granger came forward with as- 
sured cordiality, to greet the officer in whose care 
his precious estate was to be intrusted, he received a 
shock at discovering his identity. 

“What! you here?” he demanded, frowning, and 
casting a quick glance after his daughter who had 
just passed into the house. 

John, knowing he had the best of it, kept his 
temper well in hand, and managed to e^lain the 
matter satisfactorily, saying little of the recent ad- 
venture. 

The house was on a knoll, and from the veranda a 
view of at least a portion of Atlanta could be had. 

What they saw was a sight to arouse the enthu- 
siasm of one, and appall the other. Federal troops 
were marching into the Gate City in solid files. 
Music thrilled the air, the strange harmony of 
piercing fifes and rolling drums. 


66 


THE DRUGGED WINE. 


It was a sad day for the Confederacy when this 
gate-way of fair Georgia fell into the hands of the 
victorious boys in blue. 

The handwriting on the wall would soon be read 
of all men ; for, as their resources failed and hopes of 
foreign interference grew more slender, the inevitable 
must speedily occur. 

Colonel John did not forget his duties as a soldier. 
It was a peculiar condition of affairs that confronted 
him. Fate, assisted of course, by his own efforts, 
had made him the custodian of his wife’s property. 
Surely, no Federal officer was ever placed in a posi- 
tion so singular. 

The strangest thing of all lay in the fact that his 
wife openly professed a feeling of keenest hatred for 
him, as she did toward everything appertaining to 
the Northern Army. 

Her heart was thoroughly wrapped up in the 
Southern cause, and had Mollie been given her own 
way Lyndhurst would long ere this have been 
stripped of its beauties, and almost dismantled in 
order to equip the Confederate soldiers with neces- 
sities. 

Squire Granger was made of less ardent material, 
and while devoted to the cause, knew enough to 
think of the future. 

Under the protection of these troopers Uyndhurst 
was safe, for while there must inevitably be a certain 
amount of looting in spite of the strict orders given, 
the torch of the plunderer dared not approach a 
house that was especially guarded. 

The Georgia squire chuckled under cover of his 
sleeve at the successful outcome of his little plot. 

Every time he looked toward Colonel John he 
frowned, however. 

The story of the Federal’s identity had been made 
known to him, since Major Worden and Crockett 
Ridgeway, after losing their prisoner, had seen fit to 


THE DRUGGED WINE. 


57 


visit tlie squire before taking a hasty departure in 
order to escape capture by the advancing Federals. 

The more he studied John’s face the deeper grew 
the conviction that while his shrewd plan for saving 
Lyndhurst would probably work to a satisfactory 
point, he could not shake off the husband with whom 
he had provided his child, as easily as he had ex- 
pected. 

His strong hold lay in the paper John had signed, 
and which was binding in his honor. 

Thus it narrowed down to Mollie herself — in her 
hand she held the control of his destiny, and the 
squire believed he could build Confidently upon the 
feeling she entertained for the enemies of the Con- 
federacy. 

leaving orders with a subordinate Colonel John 
rode into the city. 

The army of invasion having fought its way from 
Chattanooga to Atlanta, leaving every rough moun- 
tain pass sprinkled with the blood of heroes on either 
side, would have to rest and recuperate in the latter 
city before starling upon the march through Georgia 
to the sea, a daring scheme already far advanced in 
the mind of Sherman. 

The day was well on toward the close when Colonel 
John rode out in the direction of Lyndhurst again. 

There were strange sights to be seen all around 
him, but familiarity with such things takes away ^ 
from the zest novelty brings, and he hardly noticed 
the stirring camp scenes. 

When challenged by a guard he gave the counter- 
sign and continued on. 

Atlanta was a noisy place. 

Detachments of soldiers were busily engaged, some , 
in fighting incendiary fires, others in rebuilding the 
railroad where vandal hands in a spirit of rage had 
torn up the rails. 

Order would soon come out of chaos, and the city 


58 


THE DRUGGED WINE. 


return in a measure to the condition that in days of 
peace had characterized it. 

The sun was just sinking behind the rugged hori- 
zon when our soldier found himself on the confines 
of Tyndhurst. 

Already the fires of the troopers could be seen 
among the trees, and a sentry stopped him with the 
usual demand, though perfectly aware that the ad- 
vancing rider was his own colonel. 

It was customary under the conditions that pre- 
vailed here, for the people of the house to offer their 
hospitality to the officers in command of the detach- 
ment sent to guard their property. 

The squire, though he hated the Federals with all 
the fervor of a true Georgian, smothered these feel- 
ings it would seem, and provided a meal, to which 
Colonel John and three of his officers were coldly 
invited to grace with their presence. 

It was with the hope of seeing Mollie that the 
colonel accepted the invitation. 

The charm of her presence was by swift degrees 
making itself felt upon his heart, and his resolve to 
win her in the end, grew stronger with each passing 
hour. 

Squire Granger joined them, though with only 
half-concealed displeasure. 

Perhaps he fancied he should have to hear many 
rude remarks about the declining star of the Con- 
federacy. 

The Yankee officers were far too gentlemanly 
for this. Their talk, naturally enough, was shop, 
but they had only praise for the gallant defense, the 
stubborn fight kept up by the boys in gray all the 
way from Mission Ridge to the gates of Atlanta. 

Listening, the squire was actually carried out of 
his ill-humor. Perhaps the wine mellowed his feel- 
ings in some respect, for he had produced some from 
a secret cellar and treated his guests. 


THE DliUGGED WINE. 


59 


Mollie poured the coffee, and it was the genuine 
article, too, not charred beans. 

Colonel John made no advances — he had mapped 
out a line of policy, and would follow it up, in the 
hope of arousing her interest and finally her regard. 

She performed her duties with grace, but main- 
tained silence, and when the meal was over excused 
herself. 

The gentleman lighted cigars, while they sipped 
their wine. 

Night had descended upori the scene, and looking 
in the direction of the city they could see clouds 
illuminated with the reflection of thousands of fires. 
Truly this was a great time for Atlanta. 

Once Sergeant Shanks came in and placed a paper 
in the hand of his colonel, which appeared to interest 
him deeply, for he frowned as he took in its contents, , 
crunched it in his hand, then changing his mind, 
smoothed it out and placed the same in his vest- 
pocket, perhaps for future reference. 

The squire had noted this with a keen eye. 

He would gladly have seen the contents of that 
note — if it concerned some movement against the 
desperate legions of Johnston what a piece of strategy 
it would be for him to secure it, and special 
carrier, transmit the same to headquarters. 

Colonel John hardly liked the taste of his cigar, 
still he smoked on and sipped his wine. 

He talked less — indeed, a peculiar silence seemed 
to have come upon the five men, each being appar- 
ently wrapped up in his thoughts. 

Colonel John tried to shake off the lethargy that 
appeared to bind his limbs — he looked around and 
saw that two of his companions had already yielded 
to the drowsy god, while the squire was staring at 
him in a way that caused a spasm of suspicion to dart 
through his heart. 

The wine — it was drugged ! 


60 


SIMILIA SIMILIBUS CURANTUR \ 


What dark purpose was behind all this? 

His brain seemed active even while his limbs were 
apparently weighted down with lead. 

Just at that moment the Georgia squire seemed to 
take on the form of a huge vampire bat, hovering, 
over a sleeper, eager to suck his life blood. 

Above the thought of personal danger there came 
to the colonel the recollection of the paper he carried. 

Though the effort cost him a mighty concentration ^ 
of mental and physical powers he managed to drag 
the paper in .question from his vest-pocket. 

Candles were upon the table,-^ for lamps they had 
none, owing to the scarcity of oil. 

He raised his arm. 

The paper came in contact with the blaze, curled 
over, charred, and then flashed up into flame. 

Still Squire Granger moved not — he acted as 
though under the same strange spell as had fallen 
upon the Federal officers. 

His sacrifice of power to duty was Colonel John’s 
last attempt. Gradually the candle-lights grew 
bleared — danced in a fantastic fashion — the myriad 
noises from the captured' city rolled into one dull 
roar — then his vision failed, his senses lost their com- 
prehensive grip, and Colonel John slept. 


CHAPTER XL 

SIMILIA SIMILIBUS CURANTUR I 

When the cavalry officer opened his eyes he im- 
agined he must be dreaming. Surely a woman’s voice 
had been uttering his name, coupled with an exhorta- 
tion to awaken, and he had felt soft hands banishing 
back the curly black locks from his forehead. Was it 
only a dream ? Looking up he saw Mollie, but her 


SIMILIA SIMILIBUS CUEANTUR! ' 61 

face was cold as marble and one would not believe 
from her appearance that she cared whether he lived 
or died. As he str.uggled to a sitting posture and 
looked around, he was amazed. 

“Where am I— what does this mean?’’ 

She immediately a finger on her lips. 

“Speak softly, sir. You have passed through a 
strange experience. Even now you are in a perilous 
position,” she said, almost in a whisper. 

He passed a hand across' his forehead. 

“I have been drugged.” 

“It is true. ” 

“That wine — its peculiar flavor. Ah! the squire 
played a shrewd game, but for what purpose?” 

“Colonel John, you wrong him. • He too drank of 
the wine, and still lies in his chair asleep. ’ ’ 

“Then some one else drugged it. Ah! you turn 
red. Miss Mollie — was it you?” 

“I confess.” 

“But what object could you have had?” 

“None whatever. I was not aware that it was a 
drug I put in the wine. I was told it would improve 
the flavor,” she replied, steadily. 

He made a wry face. 

“My head throbs as though an engine were pump- 
ing inside. 

Here is cold water, allow me to wet this folded 
handkerchief. 

“As I came by the pain through your hands, it 
would only be fair if you tied this for me.” 

She hesitated. 

Colonel John’s eloquent look of appeal carried the 
day, but she went at her task as though it were solely 
a duty. 

The touch of her fingers was apt to set poor John’s 
head to throbbing much more violently than it had 
heretofore done, but if there was any virtue in the 


62 


SIMILIA SIMILIBUS CURAKTUR ! 


homeopathic principle of like curing like, this might 
eradicate his disease. 

“Now tell me,” he continued, after gravely thank- 
ing her, “who it was bade you ^dd to the piquancy 
of the wine by dropping in a drug. ’ ’ 

“My^ cousin. Major Worden. ” 

“Ah ! I met that gentleman last night. He owes 
me a grudge because — well, fortune was kind to me 
and put me in a way of acquiring something he 
coveted” — it pleased him to see how furiously she 
blushed at his words — “and in order to clear his path 
he had me condemned by drum-head court to die at 
sunrise. Then Major Worden was in this house all 
the time we held possession.” 

“It is true — he chanced to be here and could not 
escape while daylight lasted. ’ ’ 

“Was he alone?” 

“No; Crockett Ridgeway was with him.” 

John gave a start. 

“I begin to see a conspiracy back of it,” he mut- 
tered, plunging one hand inside his military coat and 
then gritting his teeth. 

“Gone!” he said, bitterly, “after all these years, 
when it was in my grasp. Fool, fool, not to have 
placed it beyond his reach. I see now that it Was for 
this the drug was used.” 

Mollie looked at him with some curiosity. 

“You are in trouble, sir?” 

“There was something that I valued highly that 
has been taken from my person. Those men carried 
me into this room — you saw them, you would not let 
them do me harm. Tell me, was I searched?” 

She nodded her head. 

“By Crockett Ridgeway?” 

“Yes.” 

“With what result?’? 

“He was deeply disappointed, if I could judge 
from the words he let fall. ’ ’ 


SIMILIA SIMILIBUS CURANTUK! 


63 


“And yet it is gone.” 

“Do you refer to the papers?” 

“Yes,” looking at her suddenly. 

“Are these the ones?” producing them from the 
folds of her gauze dress. 

Colonel John’s face beamed. 

“God bless you, my — I mean Miss Molly. Those 
papers mean much to me. They will clear my name 
of an ugly stain that has rested on it for years. 
They will also restore the old homestead to the right 
line of succession — myself. How can I thank you?” 

“I hope you won’t attempt it, sir.” 

“But tell me how you came by them?” 

“That is easily done. They entered when you had 
lost your senses, and fearing lest some one might in- 
terrupt^them, carried you here. I was present, and 
seeing these papers fall to the floor possessed myself 
of them.” 

“You knew why he searched me?” 

“They were your property,” with a brave attempt 
at showing carelessness. 

Colonel John had arisen to his feet. 

“Pardon me, but have those gentlemen left the 
house?” 

“Yes, a short time ago.” '' 

“But how will they pass my sentries?” 

“They scorned the danger; besides, being inti- 
mately acquainted with the grounds they ” 

In the midst of her sentence she stopped, for there 
came a sudden shot from the garden. 

Colonel John sprang to the window and thrust out 
his head. 

Another challenge. 

“Halt! who comes there?” 

Then came a second shot, the pounding of hoofs 
upon the road leading to the base of the old Kenne- 
saw mountain, while the night wind wafted back a 
derisive laugh. 


64 


SIMILIA SIMILIBTTS CURANTUR ! 


“They have escaped — it is just as well, and I give 
them credit for being bold fellows, said Colonel John, 
turning from the window, but the room was empty. 

Remembering his companions he hastened to learn 
how they were coming on. The scene was a remark- 
able one. One officer lay with his arms on the table, 
and his head resting on them, a second was curled 
up in his chair, while the remaining man had slipped 
under the table and snored lustily there, with a foot 
stool for a pillow. 

As for the squire, he was digging his knuckles into 
his eyes, and staring around him as if bewildered. 
Seeing John enter he arose.. 

“What has happened to. us all?’7 he asked, and the 
colonel realizing that curiosity had overcome the 
antipathy entertained for him did not hesitate to 
reply. 

“The truth is we have all been drugged, my dear 
father-in-law,” he said, smiling. 

“I can well believe it, and judging from the thing 
you’ve got tied around your head I imagine you feel 
much as I do. Are we to thank some of our blue- 
coated friends for it?” the squire asked, sarcastically. 

So John indulged in a little story, during which the 
gray-mustached Georgian planter muttered divers 
things with reference to the authors of his woe. He 
had his opinion of men who would stoop to doctor 
and spoil good wine in order to carry out a little 
private scheme. 

Already John’s wheel in the head had diminished 
in force — perhaps the magnetic touch of Mollie’s 
fingers had aroused a counter irritant that mastered 
the situation — and he removed the handkerchief from 
about his erstwhile throbbing temples. 

Had Squire Granger been on the watch he must 
have been amazed to have seen the Federal officer 
slyly press the handkerchief against his lips, and 
might have wondered what this singular act might 


A SNAKE IN THE GRASS. 


65 


mean, not being aware that his daughter’s fair hands 
had tied the ends of that same bit of linen around 
John’s head. 

Verily our bachelor Benedict was making rapid 
progress. 


CHAPTER XII. 

A SNAKE IN THE GRASS. 

Upon making investigation the colonel discovered 
that the two Confederates had escaped unharmed. 

Their knowledge of the premises served them well, 
and the shots fired by the sentries came too late to 
interrupt their wild dash. 

Colonel John had received a warning, and it would 
be his own fault if he failed to take advantage of it. 
His cousin seemed determined to secure those papers 
by fair means or foul, and they were evidently worth 
something to him, although concerning John more. 

For days to come there would be many encounters 
between the hostile armies. Besides, there were in- 
tensely bitter feelings existing between the sGldiers 
in blue and many of the citizens, who, loyal to their 
coifvictions found it difficult to restrain their antip- 
athy toward these foemen from the North, swarming 
over the sacred soil of Georgia. 

Thus, serious as well as ridiculous scenes were apt 
to occur from time to time. 

Eventually the citizens would learn wisdom, and 
diplomacy must take the part of rashness. 

Colonel John, having been especially charged with 
the guardianship of Eyndhurst, accepted the hospitali- 
ties of the house, and was shown a room by the 
planter. 

After he had made the rounds and seen that his 
men were all in position, enjoying the comforts in 
the garden, he retired. 


66 


A SNAKE IN THE GBASS. 


That the same roof sheltered Mollie was a source 
of pleasure to him ; indeed, he was surprised to find 
how much his thoughts went out in that direction. 

Another day dawned, the second of Sherman’s stay 
in the captured Gate City, and more than one of 
Atlanta’s citizens awoke with a feeling of relief to 
find that a roof still remained above his head, for all 
manner of dire things had been prophesied as the 
result of Sherman’s success. 

Of course there were many scenes taking place that 
were natural outgrowths of the situation. 

Certain houses were entered in search of secreted 
foes, arrests made, and more than one desperate street 
fight ensued. 

The iron hand of the commander soon brought 
order out of chaos. 

Those of the male citizens who remained — and 
they were principally old men — learned prudence and 
kept their opinions to themselves. 

The negroes, of course, were wild with joy, and 
gave the Fedeials much trouble, though the able- 
bodied were set to work in various ways, by means of 
which their enthusiasm could be systematically 
utilized. 

Colonel John had duties to perform, and rode away 
immediately after breakfast. 

He considered himself a lucky man to sit down to 
a civilized meal in these rough war times, with a 
lady to pour the coffee. When men have been taking 
camp life with all its attendant hardships for months, 
these things are appreciated, it may be set down as 
certain. 

Shanks waylaid him at the gate, and there was a 
look upon the sergeant’s homely face that aroused 
curiosity in John’s mind. 

He drew rein, and threw one leg over the saddle, 
while the sergeant ran his fingers through the horse’s 
mane, and caressed the noble animal. 


A SNAKE IN THE GRASS. 


67 


‘‘You have news for me, sergeant?” 

“Well, I was jest on the way to find ye, kurnel. I 
was in the city when the affair occurred last night.” 

“They gave us the slip, sure enough,” laughed 
the officer, as he remembered the event. 

“The boys feel sore over it, but accidents will hap- 
pen, of course. Something happened to me, sir, 
something that I reckon interests you.” 

“In Atlanta, you mean?” 

“That’s it. I met a certain ’person on the street 
that I had seen before — -a lady, kurnel, the same lady 
that visited your tent in camp near Chattanooga.” 

“Belle Stevens here!” exclaimed John, in an in- 
voluntary manner showing signs of uneasiness, which 
the sharp-eyed sergeant was quick to notice. 

“She knowed me, kurnel, and stopped me on the 
street, asking after you. “P’raps I did wrong, but it 
struck me you didn’t want to see her very much, so 
gave her to understand you wasn’t in the city, but on 
detached duty.” 

Colonel John smiled. ✓ 

“Thanks, you are a faithful friend. It will be just 
my luck to run across her in town. She’s a Southern 
girl, too, and for certain reasons has made herself 
odious to me. Well, I have a plain -duty to perform, 
and even the schemes of a bold woman cannot daunt 
me. Had she anything to say, about me ?’ ’ 

“Only this, sir. ‘Tell Colonel John when you see 
him that I mean to keep my word.’ Then she 
laughed in a disagreeable way, and left me standing 
there as if I was bewitched.” 

The officer frowned. 

Then he glanced toward the house a glimpse of 
which could be seen through the trees. 

“I hope she will keep clear of Tyndhurst, ” he 
muttered, as he urged his horse toward the city, 
leaving Kenesaw’s heights behind. 




68 


A SNAKE IN THE GRASS. 


It was just about an hour later that there galloped 
up the drive a horsewoman. 

She sat her steed like a Centaur, and the Federal 
troops cast glances of admiration after her trim figure. 

Halting in front of the porch she sprang unassisted 
to the ground, and tossed the bridle, together with a 
piece of silver, to an ebony specimen of slavery who 
came grinning forward. 

Another minute and this resolute horsewoman, 
gathering up the skirts of her riding-habit, had 
ascended the broad steps, and was knocking upon 
the half-open door with the handle of her ivory- 
mounted whip. 

A servant speedily appeared and showed her into 
the grand drawing-room. 

“Take this card to Miss Granger, ” was her im- 
perious order, and the obsequious darky obeyed with 
alacrity. 

Thus Mollie, entering, a few minutes later, found 
herself face to face with a stranger. 

She saw a woman with a handsome face, that 
some people would have called bold ; but there was 
withal a certain charm about her manner that made 
itself felt. 

“This is Miss Granger, I presume?’^ rising. 

‘ Pardon me, I do not recall your face or name,” 
said Mollie, a little stiffly. 

“I am a stranger to you, though quite at home in 
Atlanta. There is no necessity for me to disguise my 
calling. Your devotion to the cause is known — mine 
I have proved at the risk of my life. Yes, I have 
served as a spy for General Johnston, and flatter my- 
self that more than one of Sherman’s moves in the 
campaign f;rom the Tennessee River has been balked 
by my work. ’ ’ 

This appealed to Mollie’s patriotism ; though per- 
sonally she was repelled by the other’s manner, she 
forced herself to appear friendly. 


A SNAKE IN THE GKASS. 


69 


‘‘I am glad to meet you; you have come here to 
ask some favor of me ; in what way can I serve our 
poor distracted country?” 

The visitor’s eyes snapped — they were a cold gray 
in color and not to be compared with the lustrous 
orbs of midnight hue that had played such pranks 
with Colonel John’s heart, riddling it until it might 
have served as a housewife’s sieve. 

“lam not soliciting alms. My business is of a 
personal order. I have a duty to perform. You may 
be shocked at first but later o'n will thank me for it. ” 

Mysterious words like these naturally caught and 
held the attention of the heiress of Lyndhurst. 

Is it anything about — my father? Has he been in- 
jured?” she asked, quickly, remembering that the 
squire went away before Colonel John’s horse was 
brought around. 

“Oh! no, what I have to tell you doesn’t concern 
Squire Granger. I have believed it my duty to ex- 
pose an impostor.” 

“I am at a loss to comprehend, madame. ” , 

“You have been fortunate in having a guard 
thrown around your lovely place. How it comes I 
do not know” — then her quick eyes noted the rosy 
blush that flashed over Mollie’s countenance — “but 
sometimes it pays to have a friend or it may be a 
lover, among the Yankee officers.” 

“Proceed” — looking at the card — “Miss Stevens.” 

“Ah 1 that was my name once — is the name I am 
known by among Johnston’s officers. Sad was the 
day I ever changed it to Ridgeway.” 

“Ridgeway?” echoed Mollie, controlling her voice 
with an effort, though she could not help her cheeks 
from turning very white. 

“Yes — Mrs. John Ridgeway. We quarreled several 
vears ago, and separated. Our hatred is as hot as our 
love was strong. You see we espouse different sides 


70 


BATTLE SMOKE. 


of the great family quarrel. You are shocked at my 
disclosure, Miss Granger?” 

“Not shocked — only surprised, because he — he 
came here as a bachelor,” returned Mollie, bravely. 

“These men are all gay deceivers, my dear,” 
cooed the artful schemer, having sent the poisoned 
arrow home. 


CHAPTER XIII. 
battle smoke. 

Mollie asked no questions, desired no proofs, but 
changed the subject, and for a short time carried on 
her side of a lively conversation on the prospect of 
Sherman being caught in such a trap as Napoleon, 
entered at Moscow. 

At length the visitor took her leave, satisfied that 
she had accomplished her work. 

When alone Mollie gave way to her feelings. 

It was not that she cared for John Ridgeway, she 
declared to herself again and again, but her pride was 
humbled. 

Presently the Georgia girl brought reason out of 
chaos, and became herself. 

She would keep the secret for the present, because 
it shielded Eyndhurst, but toward the man who had 
married her to save his life she meant to present a 
freezing manner, to cut him with her scorn. 

After all it was diamond cut diamond. 

She had wedded for a mercenary motive, at the 
command of her father, and why should not he be- 
granted the privilege of a little deception when his 
life was at stake? 

Unaware of the havoc being made with his good 
name at Lyndhurst, Colonel John galloped to the city 
and reported at headquarters, 


BATTLE SMOKE. 


71 


Some urgent work was placed in his hands, for 
the Confederates around the city were already open- 
ing their campaign of annoyance, and encounters 
with their flying squadrons could be counted on as of 
hourly occurrence. 

An hour after leaving the Granger plantation 
Colonel John stood in the presence of that remarkable 
general whose diagnosis of the war from the very 
start had been almost miraculous, and whose skill as 
an invading commander promised to rival even that 
of the first Napoleon, without a Moscow or a Water- 
loo to mar the record. 

Sherman, the soldier who had once painted such a 
fearful picture of the war — since come true, every 
word of it — that his envious riavls for honors called 
him crazy, had conceived an ardent admiration for 
the man we have known as Colonel John, and recog- 
nizing his worth as a valiant soldier and a dare-devil 
leader, did not hesitate to place in his charge such a 
commission as he would have trusted few men with. 

Ridgeway recognized the gravity of his charge.- 

He knew that whether he succeeded or failed, when 
the bugles sounded the return he would come back 
with a diminished host. 

Not that he faltered. 

He was made of the stern material of which heroes 
are composed, such heroes as proved their desperate 
valor under the Stars and Stripes, under the stars and 
bars — of whom poets sing as they did of the immortal 
six hundred dragoons in the awful charge at Bala- 
klava. 

So Colonel John, at the head of his dismounted 
men rode out of Atlanta that morning, intrusted 
with a dangerous duty. 

The Confederates having evacuated Atlanta had 
hastened to occupy such positions in the vicinity 
where they could best annoy the Federals. 

Thus many hills were crowned with their batteries, 


72 


BATTLE SMOKE. 


and the flag of the South floated proudly in full view 
of the Federal camp, as if daring the men of Sher- 
man to actual hostilities. 

Sherman knew better than to waste his army in 
daily encounters with the strongly entrenched enemy 
— from Chattanooga all the way, through mountain 
defiles they had fought their way step by step, until 
Kenesaw had been won, and the Gate City was at 
their mercy. 

The shrewd Federal commander had plans that 
were far more important than such encounters. 

He believed that the sweep of a hostile army 
through Georgia and the Carolinas, burning and de- 
stroying all in its path, would do more toward ending 
the war than a dozen costly battles. 

The events of the preceding day had warned the 
Federal authorities, however, that from one quarter 
in particular they could be annoyed to an extent not 
to be borne. 

A Confederate battery, possessing guns of more 
than the ordinary calibre for those days, had taken 
up its position upon a certain rise of ground, a rough 
hill-side as it were, and from this coign of vantage 
seemed able to drop their shells into the Union camp 
with destructive results. 

The confusion of the first night and the many* des- 
perate scenes hourly occurring in the Georgia city 
had kept Sherman from paying his respects to this 
particular fortress until he himself saw a shell from it 
explode among the tents of an Indiana regiment. 

Then and there he decided that the enemy must be 
displaced from that position before the day grew old, 
no matter what the cost. 

And while Sherman was thus deciding, his eyes 
fell upon Colonel John Ridgeway. 

. Then the occasion and the man met. 

“I will back you up with a whole corps if you 


BATTLE SMOKE. 


73 


think it necessary, ” he declared, after giving the^ 
colonel his orders. 

“I shall not need them, general; but, after we 
have taken the hill, if you will stand ready to rein- 
force us it is all I ask,” returned the other, who had 
surveyed the situation through the general’s field- 
glass, and already decided upon the plan he should 
put into operation. 

“You can depend on me, colonel.” 

Immediately upon leaving Sherman, the colonel 
sought the quarter where the main body of his regi- 
ment had encamped. 

They were soon on the move. 

Ridgeway had figured on his route, and believed 
his men might reach a position not far removed from 
the hill where the stubborn battery . held forth before 
discovery came. 

He addressed his men and every soldier knew what 
was the nature of the desperate mission that now en- 
gaged their attention. 

Not a man flinched. 

They had followed their beloved leader into the 
jaws of death during many a previous battle, and the 
prospect of immediate glory was enough to set their 
blood to rioting madly. 

Not a cheer arose, but the determined look upon 
the bronzed, faces of those Northern veterans was 
quite enough to declare how resolutely they meant to 
carry the harassing fort or die in the last ditch. 

Their advance was hidden for a time by a project- 
ing spur, along which the blue line crept like a great 
snake, winding toward the rough elevation from 
whence came the thunder of heavy artillery that sent 
their destructive missiles whirling through space, to 
explode with deadly effect in the Federal camp. 

When the spur ceased to conceal their movements 
further, a halt was made until every straggler had 
gained his position. 


74 


BATTLE SMOKE. 


Colonel John again addressed them in his own 
peculiar way, and not one among them but who 
burned with patriotic zeal at hearing his words. 

“Men, to us has been given the task of taking that 
fort on the hill. Nothing on earth shall prevent us 
from accomplishing that duty — you hear me — noth- 
ing! They will rain shot and shell down on us — 
what of that — you were with me when we climbed 
Mission Ridge and carried all before us — we shall do 
the same now. And let every soldier believe that 
success rests alone with his individual heroism. The 
man who first climbs on yonder fort shall be John 
Ridgeway’s brother. I need say no more — forward, 
to victory 1” 

To victory ! 

Then a shout burst forth, a mighty sound as of the 
hurricane tearing through the mountain passes — a 
flood of blue-coats sprang into view, like the ocean 
bursting its barriers. 

They spread out right and left, scattering so that 
the enemy might do less terrible execution with their 
great guns, should these be depressed in time to bear 
upon the advancing host. 

Across the level ground they sped. 

The Confederates above, amazed at first when this 
unexpected picture was presented to their view, 
hastily prepared to give them a warm reception, and 
before the Federals had gone more than half way to 
the foot of the hill the entire battery was roaring out 
its angry defiance, swhile the crackling of smaller 
arms sounded like a fierce accompaniment. 

Men fell here and there. 

They were the only ones who stopped. 

Not a shot was fired in return — it would have been 
useless; and besides, these men had reason to save 
their ammunition until the fight reached close quar- 
ters, when every discharge would tell. 

The blue line reached the foot of the hill. 


BATTLE SMOKE. 


75 


It began to vanish as though swallowed up in 
some great bank of fog. 

Soon not a racing blue-coat was to be seen upon 
the level below — only a few dead or wounded re- 
mained in view. 

Ah ! what was that, clambering like a goat up the 
face of the ■ height — a reckless soldier eager to win 
the praise of his colonel. 

He was not alone — a second, a third, a dozen, ten 
dozen were clambering upward almost in a line, im 
bued with the same grand resolve. 

And Colonel John led them all. 

No wonder they were ready to perform prodigies 
of valor when such a man beckoned them on to win 
glory at the frowning cannon’s mouth. 

With such men nothing was impossible. 

Even though their enemies equaled them in num- 
bers, and had the advantages of a superior position, 
they could not stand out against men who defied the 
very granite hills to bar their victorious onward 
progress. 

Useless were the great guns now, since they could 
not be burned upon the tigers in blue who came 
swarming up the rocks as though each' man were 
imbued with the fires of fanaticism. 

The rattle of small arms began to be heard. 

It was not all on one side now. 

Those who scaled the heights halted long enough 
to fire into the faces of their foes, and then continued 
their way upward to complete the work with the 
bayonet. 

The defenders of the battery were not lacking in 
numbers or bravery. 

Doubtless many of them had personally partici- 
pated in some such similar desperate assault in past 
battles where the Northern and Southern heroes 
measured their strength. 

They simply realized that those who climbed the 


BATTLE SMOKE. 


7K 

ragged heights were imbued with and baptized in an 
unquenchable flame of glorious desperation that it 
were folly to resist — that destiny marked them this day 
for victory. 

Still they did not quail before the encounter, but 
stood their ground with grim valor. 

That brave Southern spirit was shown on every 
battle-field of the civil war — the world never produced 
better fighters than flew to the defense of Dixie 
land, and what they considered the divine institution 
of slavery. 

Over the crest rolled the line in blue, and there 
they met the defenders of the battery. 

The earth fairly trembled with the thunder as the 
big guns were discharged, and more than one daring 
spirit, climbing over the rough ramparts was blown 
to atoms by the discharge. 

As more of the Federals clambered into view, and 
joined in the melee, it assumed all the properties of 
a fierce battle. 

Colonel John had kept his word, and when the first 
lanky Michigan sprang upon the rampart the officer 
was almost at his heels, yet so quickly did others 
throw themselves into tjie breach that a dozen were 
hotly engaging the eager foe ere he could find a lodg- 
ment there. 

It was his magnetic presence that inspired his 
men to unparalleled deeds of heroism. 

There was hardly a man among them but who 
fairly worshiped their commander, and nothing is 
impossible for men like that. 

Slowly the Confederates fell back before such a 
fierce onset — human nature could not hold out 
against it. 

They knew they were beaten, but seeing a regi- 
ment hurrying to their assistance kept up the fight 
with a dogged persistence. 

Colonel Ridgeway deliberately turned the battery 


BATTLE SMOKE. 


77 


SO that it faced the other way, and when the regi- 
ment in gray came within the line such a storm of 
shot and shell burst upon them that in a trice, as it 
were, their shuddering ranks had been pierced again 
and again, and demoralized by what they believed to 
be a destructive fire from their friends they fell back 
in confusion. 

Seeing this the Confederates on the hill gave up 
all hope of success ; they threw themselves over the 
ramparts of the fort and scattered down the hill-side 
like a covey of alarmed partridges. 

Nor did those who manned the guns fail to send a 
few screeching shells after them. 

Sherman kept his word. 

Already a column was on the way to reinforce 
Ridgeway and his men. 

When the Stars and Stripes waved from the rough 
hill fort, great cheers arose from the Union camps, 
and every man’s heart glowed with the reflection of 
the glory his compatriots had won that day. 

The name of John Ridgeway was on every lip. 

He was the hero of the hour. 

Colonel John had not come out unscathed by any 
means — several bullets had cut his garments in their 
passage, for he had been a conspicuous object to the 
sharpshooters in gray who crouched aloft waiting to 
cut down all who wore the blue, and it was almost a 
miracle how he ever came out of the engagement 
alive. 

One bullet had done a little serious damage, but 
this adventure-loving soldier laughed and thanked his 
lucky stars it was no worse. 


78 


CEUEL MOLLIE. 


CHAPTER XIV. 

CRUEE MOEEIE. 

Thus, as the day drew near its end, Colonel John - 
with one arm in a sling, and the thanks of Sherman 
ringing in his ears, galloped along the suburban 
road that would take him to Lyndhurst. 

The country was still excited. Houses burned in 
various sections, and there was hardly a time when 
shots could not be heard. 

Once a bullet zipped past the head of the Federal 
rider. Some concealed marksman on the hill-side had 
taken a flying shot at him, in the hope of assisting 
the cause. 

Colonel John glanced up in time to see a ring of 
white smoke curl over the bushes — drawing a heavy 
Colt’s, which would throw lead almost as well as a 
musket, he sent a round of shots into the copse that 
must have made the unseen marksman uneasy, even 
if no damage resulted. 

As he approached the Granger estate he was im- 
pressed with its beauty. 

Glancing toward the ruined home of his boyhood, 
as he passed by, John was almost overwhelmed by a 
flood of recollections. 

He drew in his horse in order to get a second look 
at the figure of a man seen in the gloaming near the 
ruins, but the party vanished from view behind a 
clump of magnolias. 

Somehow John seemed impressed with the idea 
that it was his cousin Crockett — the figure resembled 
him, and his walk was the same, a wound received 
during the fierce fight at Pittsburg Eanding making 
him limp. 


CKUEL MOLLIE. 


79 


Arrived at the plantation he made the round and 
found everything in apple pie order. His men heard 
of the gallant charge of their comrades with bated 
breath and kindling eyes — showing by their manner 
that the only regret they entertained was absence 
from the fray. 

They were soldiers, every one, and it was their 
glory to follow such a dashing leader as Colonel John 
into the very jaws of death. 

Poets have sung of that .famous charge of the 
Light Brigade at Balaklava, but there were scores of 
tragedies in our late war besides which that event 
would almost pale — where whole regiments were 
slaughtered in the awful holocaust of battle flame. 

Near the house John met the sergeant, who handed 
his horse over to an orderly. 

“She’s been here, kurnel,” announced Shanks, in 
a solemn way. 

Colonel John frowned. 

“Then I see trouble ahead, for the woman is 
utterly unscrupulous, and hates me bitterly. ’ ’ 

“I’ve seen her before, sir, and d’ye know I’ve got 
a good notion she’s a spy. ” 

“For my part. Shanks, I’ve believed that before, 
and I feel it my duty to send word to headquarters. 
She is a dangerous woman, and should be either shut 
up or sent outside the lines. Tell me, did she see 
my— that is. Miss Granger?” 

“They were together an hour, sir, and when that 
she-devil, beggin’ your pardon, galloped away, she 
had a smile on her handsome face. I reckon she 
accomplished what she came for.” ^ 

Colonel John looked deeply troubled, but he was 
not the man to avoid threatening evil. Such a 
spirit could never have won the victories that had 
crowned his career. 

He met his subordinate officers and gave them the 
stirring news of the day. 


80 


CRUEL MOLLIE. 


Then Squire Granger joined them. 

His demeanor was grave, but the planter was a 
gentleman above even his hatred for any one wearing 
the blue. 

At the table Mollie appeared to perform her duty. 
Her manner was cold. Once she started when her 
eyes fell upon John’s arm in a sling, but she evinced 
no curiosity, and he made no mention of the desperate 
charge, for those against whom he had been pitted 
were her friends, and any boasting of his achieve • 
ments would be ill-timed, to say the least. 

John was unusually grave during the meal. When 
he caught Mollie’ s eyes she turned her head away 
and frowned. 

This told him something had happened to disturb 
her, and singularly enough he even felt pleased to 
know he had so far entered into her life that she 
could be disturbed by malicious tales affecting his 
honor. 

Colonel John was watching his chance. 

He did not join the gentlemen in their post-pran- 
dial smoke upon the porch, but kept an eye upon the 
drawing-room, and when a white-robed figure glided 
into its interior, the soldier lost no time in following. 

So Mollie, turning from the table whither she had 
gone to get a book, found herself face to face with 
the man she would avoid. 

‘‘I beg your pardon. Miss Mollie, but will you 
grant me a few minutes’ conversation,” he said. 

She lowered her eyes. 

“I see no reason why I should, sir,” was her re- 
ply, but although John was not blocking the way, 
she made no attempt to pass him, 

“I believe you would not knowingly be unjust to 
any one. Miss Mollie. Do you then consider it right 
to condemn me unheard?” 

“I condemn you?” she said, in some scorn — “in- 


CEUEL MOLLIE. 


81 


deed, I am not bothering my poor head about you 
one way or the other, Colonel Ridgeway.” 

This was really a cruel cut, and he winced under 
it, but recovered as he saw how she was quivering 
with suppresCd excitement. 

“Nevertheless, I have reason to believe an enemy 
of mine has seen you to-day, and I fear, knowing her 
past history, tlrat she may have traduced me in lier 
mad desire to do an injury. Her name is Belle 
Stevens. I believe she follows the perilous occupation 
of a female spy. ’ ’ 

“It is to her credit — she loves the South, ” said 
Squire Granger’s daughter, firmly. 

“I don’t gainsay a word of it. While I stand ready 
to shoulder any sins of which I may have been guilty 
in the past I don’t mean to let an adventuress of this 
stamp play with my reputation as if it were a bubble. 
She has said something about me that has decreased 
your respect. I value that more than I can say ; 
therefore, I insist upon your giving me a chance to 
defend myself. The veriest criminal in the dock is 
allowed that. Would you like to be condemned in 
such a way?” 

His eloquence caused Mollie to change her mind. 

Besides there was a secret hope far down in her 
heart, conceal it as she would, that Colonel John 
might prove himself innocent. 

“Sir, you are right. The courts allow even the 
most wretched prisoner a chance to defend himself, 
and I shall ask you one question.” 

“Which I promise to answer as truly as though it 
came from my angel mother.” 

“You admit that you have met this girl before. 
When you called her Belle Stevens were you aware 
of the fact that she has a right to another name?” 

He flushed, then smiled. 

“I was aware of the fact,” he replied. 


82 


A MESSAGE. 


“And that this name was Ridgeway ’ she con- 
tinued. 

“My dear Miss Mollie, even that was known to 
me. ” 

“Then I can only repeat what I said before — a 
hypocrite is the greatest abomination on earth, and 
I detest you, Colonel John Ridgeway.’’ 


CHAPTER XV. 

A MESSAGE. 

She was gone before the soldier could catch his 
breath and make a reply, gone with flashing eyes, sus- 
piciously moist, and with a breast that heaved under 
more than ordinary- emotion. 

As for Colonel John, when he found a vacancy 
where the charming Georgia girl had just stood, he 
recovered his wits and sprang to the door, but it was 
too late, for Mollie could no longer be seen. 

So the doughty warrior fell to pacing up and 
down the room, gnawing his mustached lip in a man- 
ner suggestive of at least annoyance, even if it could 
be called by no stronger term. 

“Here’s a pretty kettle of fish, sure enough. 
What can I do to convince the dear girl that I am 
not the base villain she believes me? Argument she 
will not listen to — perhaps a few lines instead would 
accomplish the right thing. I’m getting deeper in 
the mire at every turn. Surely it was strange enough 
for an old bachelor' of my build to be married to a 
charming girl whom he had never seen before, but 
it’s piling the agony on pretty deep when he’s ac- 
cused of being the husband of still another. 

“Of course I can comprehend the motive of this 
Stevens woman — revenge lies at the bottom of it. 


A MESSAGE. 


83 


revenge for the trouble I caused her up in Chat- 
tanooga, and she plays upon the fact that she has some 
claim upon the family name, thanks to my cousin 
Crockett.” 

Then he pondered over the matter, and presently 
extracted a few grains of comfort from what had 
erstwhile seemed wholly forbidding. 

“Her coolness had flown — she even showed signs 
of anger and mortiflcation. Come, John, my dear 
boy, have courage. If she hadn’t insensibly grown to 
care for you she would not’ have given way to such 
emotion. Detests me — ah, don’t you believe it. 
Fortune gave me her hand, and by the gods I shall 
yet win her heart. If you have the grit to storm a 
fort, or lead a forlorn hope into the breach, don’t 
doubt your ability to capture a girl’s heart, even 
when fortified with sectional prejudice.” 

Having arrived at this happy conclusion, the 
soldier philosopher joined his comrades upon the 
veranda, and was soon enjoying a pipe of tobacco, 
for in these war times the plebian pipe was a source 
of solace to officers as well as men. 

It was problematical how long Sherman’s army 
would stay in Atlanta. 

His avowed purpose of marching through the heart 
of Georgia was already known, but there were few 
ainpng the Confederate leaders willing to believe him 
daring enough to cut loose from his base of supplies 
and enter upon such a long journey through the 
heart of an intensely hostile country, upon which his 
legions must necessarily depend for subsistance. 

This only proved that they did not know Sherman. 
Colonel John could not tell what day or hour his 
command might be detached for action. 

Others there were in plenty who would guard the 
shrewd planter’s property as well as the cavalry 
colonel, and he was in demand just at present. 

Although compelled to evacuate Atlanta, the 


84 


A MESSAGE. 


soldiers of the Confederacy hovered near, ready to 
seize upon any advantage that might present itself. 

Knowing these facts Colonel John j:oncluded it 
would be good policy to make hay while the sun 
shone. 

He began laying his wires at once. 

The others no doubt thought their unusually 
brilliant comrade rather dull, but beyond a little 
chaffing which he took in good part made no attempt 
to disturb his thoughts. 

Squire Granger joined them. 

He had found that the society of Federal officers 
was less of a bore than he had anticipated, and at 
times it was even u pleasure to talk with cultivated 
Northern men upon subjects that had no reference to 
the war — commercial projects — plans for making a 
great country out of the South in case the war ended 
and found her deprived of slave labor — designs for 
improving the old time methods of cotton picking 
and kindred topics of intense interest to a Georgia 
planter whose good sense did not allow him to ingore 
the handwriting on the wall which eyes blinded by 
sectional prejudice would not see. 

Thus another night settled down over the city 
which had not long ago boasted of its impregnable 
position, little reckoning the dogged will of the great 
commander whose advance was so slow, but irresisti- 
ble, as the tide creeping up the sandy sea-shore. 

lyittle did Colonel Ridgeway dream what that night 
was destined to hold for him — of the strange adven- 
ture that must fall to his lot ere glowing Phoebus 
again swung his ruddy orb above the eastern hills. 

While he sat upon the veranda smoking, and listen- 
ing in a dreamy way to the conversation of his 
officers, the form of Sergeant Shanks loomed up in 
the gloaming. 

“Colonel, there’s a messenger here with a note for 
you. I chanced to run across him while he was 


A MESSAGE. 


85 


having some difficulty with the pickets, and thought 
it best to bring him direct to you,” said the sergeant. 

“Quite right — is that the party behind you, ser- 
geant?” 

“Yes, colonel.” 

“Bring him here then.” 

Ivigbts from the interior of the house found 
avenues of egress through door and window, casting 
broad banners across the darkening piazza. 

It was into one of these patches the sergeant led 
the party he had in tow. 

Colonel Ridgeway glanced at the fellow with some 
interest, though of course he was utterly in the dark 
as to what his mission might be. 

It was certain in the beginning that he had no con- 
nection with the army. 

Orders from headquarters would have come in the 
shape of an orderly, or an aide, while a communica- 
tion from a brother officer should at least be carried 
by a soldier. 

The so-called messenger was a darky. 

He resembled many others of his class — indeed, 
what with their smooth black faces, shining eyes, and 
tattered garments is was very difficult for Colonel 
John to distinguish the various negroes, with whom 
he had dealings apart. 

So far asffie could remember he had never seen this 
son of Ham before. 

The fellow had taken off his remnant of a hat, and 
was twisting it in his hands, while upon his ebony 
face shone a resplendent grin, as though he were 
mightily pleased with the kind fortune that per- 
mitted him to become a messenger to one of Uncle 
Sam’s officers. 

“Well, Sambo, what do you want?” demanded the 
colonel, in a kindly tone, and yet with the trace of 
authority in it such as a Southern born man invari- 
ably uses when addressing a negro. 


86 


A MESSAGE. 


‘‘Is you Kernal Ridgeway, sah?’’ 

“That is my name. ” 

“Kernal John Ridgeway?” 

“Yes.” 

“I’se got somethin’ for youse, sah. ” 

“Well, out with it. ” 

“Yes, sah, in one minute, sah, jess as soon as I 
disremembers whah I secreted um, sah’.” 

Then followed a hasty search of his garments, 
until John was really afraid the scarecrow would fall 
to pieces under such vigorous action. 

He knew just how to deal with such irresponsible 
creatures— they only need a firm hand to guide them 
— show any excitement and they become too rattled 
for anything. 

“Was this a note you had, Pomp?” he asked. 

“Dat’s jes’ wat it am, massa, if I kin only recerlect 
whar I put um. ” 

“Stop and consider — you desired to make it secure 
so it might not be lost. ” 

“Gorry, how you knows dat, massa kernal?” 

“Where would the safest place be — in the lining of 
your coat?” 

“Ain’t got none, sah. ” 

“In your shoes. ” 

“Gorry, I specks not wif dem holes.” 

“In the lining of your hat?” 

“Gorry, massa kernal, you am a wizard. It am 
dar, suah enuff, an’ hyar am de note.” 

Colonel John received it with a grim smile. 

After all there was nothing like knowing how to 
manage these black fellows; had he flown into a 
passion the darky might have become thoroughly 
demoralized. 

Colonel John took the crumpled paper and opened 
it. 

No doubt his curiosity was somewhat aroused, and 
yet the chances were ten to one he would find it a 


A MESSAGE. 


87 


begging letter from some one be bad once known 
many years ago, wbo believed be might bave some 
influence now to save them from threatening danger, 
for with the advent of the Federal forces into Atlanta 
no doubt more than one private score of long stand- 
ing was wiped out. 

Whatever the contents of the missive, the colonel 
seemed interested, for he read it over again. 

That it did not contain pleasant news one could 
readily guess from the frown upon his brow. 

He turned upon the messenger. 

“Who gave you this note, Scipio?’’ 

“Gorry, de lady herself, massa kernal,^’ stammered 
the fellow, who seemed to answer to any name, so 
long as it implied an African descent. 

“Can you take me to her?’’ 

‘ ‘ I spect I kin,, sah. ’ ’ 

“Sergeant.” 

“Colonel,” and Shanks, who had respectfully 
fallen back while his officer interrogated the darky 
and read the note, loomed up again. 

“Have two horses saddled and prepare to accom- 
pany me to Atlanta. See here, how did you come out 
to Fyndhurst, on a horse or afoot?” 

“On a mewl, sah.” 

“Well, you’ll ride back on a horse — sergeant, an 
extra animal for Pomp — he can get his mule in the 
morning.” 

“Gorry !” was all the scarecrow said, but he looked 
as though he could hardly contain himself at the 
prospect of soon being astride a genuine horse, 
flanked on either side by a soldier in the blue of the 
United States Government. 

That was glory enough for one day. 

Colonel John walked over to the group gathered 
about the planter, and excused himself. 

“A sudden private matter calb for my attention in 


A MESSAGE. 


Atlanta. I shall be back in all probability before ten. 
Until then, good night, gentlemen.’* 

He called his second in command aside and gave 
him orders concerning Uie disposition of the men. 

They were comparatively few in number and on 
the outskirts of the Federal line. 

It behooved them to keep a sharp watch. 

Bands of guerrillas were roving in a miscellaneous 
way around the country, and might at any time hap- 
pen upon the plantation. 

Finding it guarded by a Federal force they could 
easily judge the owner must be in close touch with 
the enemies of the South. 

This would naturally arouse their passions, and 
such lawless marauders would take the keenest de- 
light in applying the torch to the buildings that had 
thus far existed through the troublous times marking 
the siege of the Gate City. 

Sergeant Shanks presently appeared again, an- 
nouncing that the horses were ready. 

The darky was easily found. 

He had loitered near. 

Together the three mounted and rode away, the 
black looking more like a grinning ape upon the 
back of a horse than a human being. 

The colonel having one arm in a sling was not in 
a prime condition for an engagement of any sort, but 
his wound was slight and would be healed in a few 
days. 

Such a thing could not keep his war-like spirit in 
check. Where cannon roared and the wild cheers of 
fierce combatants awoke the echoes, this son of Mars 
would ever be found doing his duty. 

Camp-fires could be seen here and there all the 
way to the city. 

Picket fires most of them were, though here and 
there a regiment was encamped. 

Past them all the trio galloped. 


A MESSAGE. 


89 


Soon the environs of the city appeared, the breast- 
works which the Confederates had defended stub- 
bornly against a superior foe, until the disasters at 
Kenesaw, Peach Orchard, and other battle-fields 
warned them Atlanta was doomed, and they must 
evacuate unless they desired to have their homes 
wrecked by a bombardment. 

Then they rode among the houses, along the 
avenue that in the years to come would be the most 
beautiful in the Southland, the homes of senators, 
governors and bankers. 

When they pulled up at a stable and dismounted, 
leaving the horses- in charge. Colonel John turned to 
the grotesque scarecrow whose hand had delivered 
the message, saying: 

“Now it’s your turn, my man. Lead us to the 
house where this lady may be found — the lady from 
whom you received the note.” 

The negro cast a glance of inquiry toward Shanks, 
which action was not unnoticed by the colonel and 
his faithful attendant. 

“Does we all go, massa kernal?” asked the negro. 

“The sergeant accompanies us. This city is in the 
hands of the Federals, but there are many quarters I 
do not doubt, where the life of a Union officer might 
be in danger, did he choose to roam about unattended 
after nightfall. I am not so great a fool. Lead on 
Scipio, you hear?” 

“Yes, sah, at once, sah,” returned the other. 

Colonel John had already positive evidence of the 
fact that he was not without bitter enemies. 

That was the most cruel part of the civil war — it 
divided families, caused hatred between brothers, and 
pitted father against son. 

His cousin hated him bitterly, not because John 
had ever done him an evil turn, but simply on ac- 
count of the bitter feeling the wicked always enter- 
tain toward any one different from themselves. 


90 


A MESSAGE. 


1 


Then there was Major Worden. 

He had good cause to feel especially bitter toward 
the Yankee colonel. 

Being deeply enamored with pretty Mollie Granger, 
and resolved to win her for his wife, it must have 
been deeply humiliating to this proud soldier of the 
South to know that she had sacrificed herself to save 
the home she and her father loved so intensely. 

Yes, she was the Yankee colonel’s wife, made so, 
it is true as a brilliant stroke of business diplomacy, 
but out of his reach so long as her husband lived. 

No wonder, then, Worden was eager to put him out 
of the way — Mollie as the colonel’s widow would be 
a possible prize for him to win. 

Colonel John had these things on his mind as he 
and the sergeant walked along the streets of Altanta 
behind their sable guide. 

They were in the district now where the iron hand 
of war was apt to show the heaviest — where the rail- 
roads centred, where great warehouses had sheltered 
thousands of bales of cotton, long since declared con- 
traband of war, and ruthlessly destroyed whenever 
found — as it was the mainstay of the South then 
more than now, the Federals rightly expected to 
cripple the resources of their enemies, until the 
country was too impoverished to keep up the unequal 
struggle longer. 

Given the facilities for raising money that the 
North enjoyed, and the South would have defied 
defeat for more than twice four years — yet who is 
there so cruel as to wish it had been so — we believe 
now all was for the best — one North, one South — in 
all the greatest free nation upon which the sun has 
ever risen. 

The railroads had been crippled ere Atlanta fell, 
but Sherman’s men were now engaged in building 
them .up and defending them. 

All the vast supplies for his army must come by 


THE LEAGUE AGAINST THE COLONEL. 01 

rail from Chattanooga, and until these had been ac- 
cumulated, Sherman would make Atlanta his head- 
quarters. 

When everything was in readiness the word to 
destroy would be given, and only the wreck of rail- 
roads would mark the progress of the army toward 
the sea. 

Many stirring scenes could be witnessed in the 
streets of Atlanta. 

Here blazed an incendiary fire, and the soldiers in 
blue fought the flames like heroes, for if it once 
passed beyond their control, with a strong wind 
blowing, the entire city might be consumed. 

Whatever the motive that brought Colonel John to 
the city on this night, when he would have liked 
nothing better than to rest after the great exertion 
of the day, he seemed bent upon carrying out the re- 
quest of the note. 

Beyond making sure that he was armed, and that 
Sergeant Shanks was in the same condition, he did 
not appear to have any fears regarding the attendant 
circumstances. 

And at length their black guide came to a halt. 

‘‘Here am de house, massa kernal, sah.’’ 


CHAPTER XVI. 

THE LEAGUE AGAINST THE COLONEL. 

Colonel John was aroused by these words of his 
guide — he had fallen into quite a reverie as he 
walked along, and it may easily be surmised that the 
peculiar adventure had happened to him under the 
Eyndhurst roof occupied a prominent place in his 
thoughts by day and by night. 

He now found they were in front of a plain dwell- 
ing house. 


92 THE LEAGUE AGAINST THE COLONEL. 

It did not differ from scores of others in the imme- 
diate vicinity, which was of the poorer classes. 

There was nothing about the place to indicate 
danger. 

Federal soldiers could be seen on the street in 
either direction, for Atlanta was tight in the grip of 
Sherman’s host, and overrun by the boys in blue. 

“Sergeant, wait for me at the door.” 

“Yes, colonel.” 

“If I call or you hear any suspicious sounds, 
enter. ’ ’ 

“Yes, colonel.” 

“After you have broken every bone in the body of 
this darky whom I leave in your charge. ’ ’ 

“Yes, colonel.” 

“Golly, dat am me — I’se a dead nigger if de 
massa kernal hab a fit,” groaned Sambo, but the 
sergeant paid no heed to his lamentations, and calmly 
proceeded to lay a hand upon his shoulder, while 
with the other hand he exposed a revolver, the sight 
of which almost made the poor darky’s wool stand up 
on end with fright. 

Meanwhile Colonel John stalked up to the door, 
upon which he knocked loudly. 

There were lights in the house, but the curtains 
were drawn so that not a glimpse of the interior 
could be obtained. 

In answer to his summons the sound of bolts being 
withdrawn could be plainly heard. 

Then the door opened a few inches. 

“What do you want?” asked a voice. 

“I have come — you sent for me,” returned the 
soldier. “It is Colonel Ridgeway.” 

Then the door opened wider. 

Colonel John experienced a queer sensation as in 
answer to the invitation extended to him he stepped 
across the door-sill and entered the house. 

He found himself in a plainly furnished room. 


THE LEAGUE AGAINST THE COLONEL. 


93 


Colonel John, having cast his eyes around to make 
a mental note of his position, now turned his gaze 
upon a woman, the only person in the room. 

She had quietly closed the door, and stood there 
facing him. 

He started at sight of that darkly beautiful face, 
seeing which she gave a low laugh, a disagreeable 
laugh that gave the hearer a shudder. 

“Well, I hardly expected to find you here,^ 
madame, ” he said, with a frown. 

“No doubt, and yet you knew I was in the city, 
my dear Colonel John,” returned the woman, ad- 
vancing close to his, side. 

“That is true — you dared to call upon my — that 
is upon Miss Granger, and tell her a base lie — to 
affirm that I was your husband because through the 
grace of my cousin Crockett you have a right to bear 
the name of Ridgeway. Perhaps I ought to thank 
you for your kind action, since I have reason to be- 
lieve it has furthered my cause. ’ ’ 

The woman whom we may recognize as the Con- 
federate spy. Belle Stevens, did not seem at all con- 
fused by either reproaches or irony. 

Being possessed of monumental assurance she could 
stand her ground under conditions that would have 
been exceedingly distressing to others less peculiarly 
constituted. 

“Well, you may doubtless remember, Colo^nel John, 

I owed you one for what kind attention you gave me 
in Louisville. I am a woman who cannot easily for- 
get or forgive an injury. When I put a frost upon 
your little love affair I fancy I repaid in a measure 
the debt long past due. Perhaps Miss Mollie may 
throw you over now.” 

“Pardon me, you do not seem to have been well 
informed regarding the relations existing between the 
planter’s daughter and myself. You took her into 


94 THE LEAGtE AGAINST THE COLONEL. 

your confidence, but she did not return the favor, I 
am ready to believe. ’ ’ 

“But — she loves you — I would swear to that. 

“Thank you, my dear Belle — you make me very 
comfortable. That was a point on which I could not 
be very positive, so that your evidence is a great 
relief. As to what you told her I can with the greatest 
ease prove it to be false, and you may be sure I shall 
grasp the first opportunity to place all the evidence 
before my wife. 

“Your — wife?’’ 

“Certainly — Mollie Granger, the playmate of my 
childhood occupies that position which a week ago I 
was sure no woman on earth would ever fill. ” 

“Your wife — and you have not seen her since a 
child — this is a most astonishing thing.” 

“No more to you than to myself I assure you.” 

“He did not tell me this.” 

"•“And pray, who is he?” 

The woman bit her lip — evidently she had not in- 
tended going so far. 

“Well, if you must know, Major Worden.” 

“Then he sent you to Tyndhurst?” 

“He asked me to go, but the desire for revenge 
upon you. Colonel John, urged me on much faster than 
the major’s gold.” 

Somehow her words aroused him. 

“Your presence here, and the message to me — 
what am I to understand — is this a sort of pitfall — 
did you forge my aunt’s name.?” 

The colonel towered above her as he indignantly de- 
manded the truth, for like all honest men he was 
averse to being made the tool of an unscrupulous, 
plotting woman. 

Belle Stevens did not flinch. 

Whatever else might be said of her at least she was 
no coward — her daring ventures as a female spy, 


THE LEAGUE AGAINST THE COLONEL. 95 

risking life and all else in the cause of the South 
stood a guarantee for this. 

“The letter you received was genuine, Colonel 
John,” she replied, steadily. 

“Then my aunt is in Atlanta?” 

“Yes.” 

“Under this roof ?” 

“It is so,” 

“And she appeals, to me for assistance?” 

“You had her letter,” watching him closely. 

“But her son has been near here — I myself have 
seen him — why could he not h'elp her?” 

“There is something I do not understand — some- 
thing she wished to explain to you. That is why she 
sent the message. ” 

“I saw her last in Uouisville, and was able to be of 
assistance to her at the time. ” 

“Yes, I know, and you failed to include me in 
your Samaritan work — you thought it a little matter, 
no doubt, Colonel John, but sometimes such things 
bear a prodigious amount of fruit.” 

“I am sorry I have incurred your enmity, Belle, 
but it was my duty, and no matter what the conse- 
quences I would do the same again if the occasion 
warranted it.” 

“Thank you,” she said, with a sneer, “then I do 
not regret .anything I have said or done in return. ’ ^ 

The interview was not to Ridgeway’s taste. 

He had not come all the way from Lyndhurst to' 
meet this dark-eyed siren, who had once endeavored 
to lure him into loving her, and his refusal to be her 
victim might be set down as the genuine cause of her 
hatred. 

“My time is precious — I have been hotly engaged 
to-day, as you may know, and would not have ridden 
in here only m the hope that I might be of some 
assistance to Aunt Sarah.” 

“I have heard of your charge — the whole city is 


96 THE LEAGUE AGAINST THE COLONEL. 

ringing with your praise to-night, which must be gall 
and wormwood to your rival for the affection of 
Mollie Granger. ” 

“Say no more about it. lyet me see my aunt,” he 
returned, for the very mention of his wife’s name by 
this bold woman seemed like sacrilege — it had even 
come to that point. 

“You shall see her — be seated while I tell her you* 
are here. ’ ’ 

Then she glided away. 

Colonel John did not know exactly what to think 
of all this. ^ 

This woman’s past was of such a character as to 
prevent him from believing good of her. 

She was capable of carrying out the boldest and 
most desperate of plans in order to further her own 
ends or in behalf of the cause which she really 
cherished as sacred. 

It was even possible that she had written the 
message that reached him, purporting to come from 
his aunt, Crockett’s mother. 

Should this prove to be true there could be but 
one motive back of it. 

Revenge! 

And yet as an honorable man himself it was hard 
for John to suspect any one of such dastardly and 
sinister motives. 

Wise men always take certain precautions, even 
when the case does not seem to justify it, and as we 
have seen John came with a guard, and a faithful 
weapon in his pocket. 

Treachery is an ugly beast to handle, and one must 
seize upon the brute with ungloved hands. 

His meditations were interrupted. 

Some one entered the room. 

It was a woman. 

She could not be far from fifty years of age. 

Colonel John arose and approached her. 


the league against the colonel. 97 

“Aunt Sarah, I am surprised to see you here.’’ 

“And why?” she asked, giving him her hand 
coldly — she was a handsome lady despite her age, 
and her dark eyes sparkled with a fire that might 
have been the envy of a young girl. 

“Because I believed you safely housed in I^ouis- 
ville, where I last saw you.” 

“Indeed, and why should I remain there in peace 
and with all the comforts around me while my un- 
happy country groaned nnder the heel of the op- 
pressor. My heart was wrapped up in the dear old 
Southland, and I flew to my old home to do what 
little I could for the cause. For that perhaps you 
despise me, you a Yankee officer.” 

“On the contrary I admire, applaud your princi- 
ples. They are the same as my own, only that the 
cause for which I am ready to suffer and die is the 
cause of a united, not a divided country. But why 
say more, aunt? You sent for me — see, I have 
come. ’ ’ 

“It was good of you, John — you have the Ridge- 
way blood in your veins, though it pains me to see 
you wearing the blue when you should be wearing 
the gray. Would that my entreaties could turn you.” 

“It is quite useless, aunt — I have withstood the 
most severe test, even down to having a sweet little 
rebel for a wife. Nothing can change my sentiments 
— they are like yours, grounded on a rock, even my 
own life. ” 

“What! you are married, John — I did not know 
it?” 

“Do you remember long years ago the little Mollie 
Granger of our neighbor the squire.” 

“Yes — yes — I have reason to, but John — you do 
not mean she — is your — wife?” 

Her emotion surprised him, although he could not 
understand it. 

“Yes, we were duly married in the presence of her 


98 THE LEAGUE AGAINST THE COLONEL. 

father. I confess it was a marriage of convenience, 
for my life was at stake and the estate of Lyndhurst. 
As the property of a Federal officer’s wife it is being 
protected. But I have fallen in love with my wife and 
'I trust sooner or later when her prejudice against the 
uniform I wear has softened, I may win her heart as 
I have already won her hand. ” 

He had reached this point when he noticed that his 
aunt’s face had grown very white. 

“What is the matter — are you ill?” he asked. 

“No, no — but — I see now — they deceived me,” 
she muttered, as if talking to herself. 

“They — I don’t understand, aunt — who has de- 
ceived you — tell me if I can be of assistance. You 
know I stand ready to do what I can. ” 

She became more hysterical, and covered her face 
with her hands, dropping into a chair. 

“Wretched woman that I am — to think that after 
all he has done for me I should betray him.” 

“Who is it, aunt — tell me ” 

“No one but yourself, John Ridgeway,” she said, 
still rocking to and fro. 

He glanced around, and seeing nothing of a 
dangerous nature, smiled. 

“My dear aunt, if I am the only party you have 
wronged, cheer up. Surely I do not bear animosity. 
Besides, in what way could you injure me — I have 
friends near by who will come at a signal.” 

“It is not that — they deceived me — I see now they 
meant not to rob you of life but of something you 
must as a true Southern man value more.”. 

“Ah! my reputation.” 

“In the eyes of Mollie Granger.” 

“What! still harping on that matter, are they?” 

“They told me you loved her and would* take her 
from Oswald Worden. Fool that I was I lent myself 
to their plans, hating myself for doing it.” 

“Don’t worry about it — no harm done. Tet them 


OUT OP THE TBAP. 


99 


plot — they can’t outwit Fate which has woven the 
threads of Mollie’s life with mine.” 

“But listen — she saw you enter here — saw Belle 
let you come in — now do your realize their malice?” 


CHAPTER XVIL 

OUT OF THE TRAP. 

A change came over the demeanor of the Federal 
officer when he heard those remarkable words from 
his aunt’s own lips. 

It was hard to believe that men who called them- 
selves gentlemen would ally themselves with such a 
revengeful woman as Belle Stevens, in order to 
humiliate a man. 

Worden was equal to anything, but until lately 
Colonel John could not have believed his cousin 
Crockett would so demean himself. 

The motive of the major was plain out and out 
jealousy — that of the woman the fury of a woman 
scorned, while Crockett might have dreams of some 
day coming into John’s inheritance should things 
take a turn in his direction. 

No doubt the last-named plotter had no suspicion 
of the true cause that urged his wife to press the 
Yankee colonel’s downfall, and would be sure not to 
let such a fiery-headed fighter as Crockett Ridgeway 
suspect the truth. 

Colonel John paced the floor in his agitation. 

He had at length been awakened. 

Cool and collected even under the hottest fire, this 
man could be aroused if the right means were brought 
to bear upon him. 

And when they touched upon his honor, in con- 
nection with Mollie Granger, they struck a key that 


too 


OUT OF THE TEAP. 


if properly played, could be made to vibrate with in- 
tense zeal. 

The lady who had been a party to this deception 
had recovered from her own spasm of dismay, and 
was watching John carefully — she evidently feared 
his reproaches, realizing how poorly she had returned 
the great kindness he had extended toward her in 
Louisville. 

“Come, aunt, you tell me a strange thing — how 
am I to understand it. I believed my wife to be safe 
under her father’s roof, and yet you tell me she is in 
Atlanta — that she saw me enter this house — saw 
Belle Stevens admit me. ’ ’ 

“Every word of it is true — when she left home I 
do not know, but there must have been some engage- 
ment made, for she was driven here in her own car- 
riage and by one of her father’s former slaves, one 
called Kzekial. ” 

“I know the fellow — but it is monstrous to think 
of such a plot to rob a man of his wife — to make her 
despise me. How could you lend your aid to such a 
thing?” 

“I do not know — they badgered me and declared I 
did not love the South if I should hesitate to defeat 
one of her foes. I acted against my good judgment, I 
trust you will believe. Besides, there was no whisper 
that Mollie was your wife. Had I known that not 
anything on earth would have influenced me to join 
them.” 

“Well, after all it has not gone so far that it can- 
not be remedied. If you really regret the share you 
have had in the matter, dear aunt ” 

“I do, believe me, deeply.” 

“Then it will be easy to confess the whole thing to 
'Mollie, and I will only too gladly forget the share 
you had in it. ” 

She flushed as he spoke, for she was a proud 
woman, and as such it would cut her keenly to con- 


OUT OF THE TRAP. 


101 


fess to duplicity in the presence of Mollie — a woman 
may not find it hard to beg forgiveness from a man 
whom she has treated treacherously, but it is as bitter 
as wormwood for her to say the same thing to one of 
her own sex. Still Aunt Sarah meant what she said 
and was ready to back it up. 

“It would only be justice, and when the oppor- 
tunity comes you will be able to depend on me. Even 
my son deceived me, for I suppose he knew of your 
marriage.” 

John remembered the conversation he had had, ’ 
near his old home, with Crockett. 

. “Yes, he knew. But since I cannot be of service 
to you. Aunt Sarah — since my being called here was 
all a mistake after all, I might as well return. There 
is one thing I would like to ask you.” 

“I shall answer any question, nephew — you are 
kind indeed to make so light of my ingratitude.” 

“Have you ever told my cousin how I was able to 
serve you in Louisville?” 

“I have not, though I should have done so, and I 
will, now that this has happened.” 

“Thank you, aunt. I believe when he knows that 
he will not feel so bitter toward me. We are kin, 
though we fight on different sides, and when the war 
is over I hope to live here again — it would be much 
better if we y^ere friends. ’ ’ 

“Spoken like a Ridgeway — I fear the better ele- 
ments in our family descended on your side and the 
baser on ours, John. It shall be as you say. I shall 
never be deceived like this again. ” 

“And my wife — you said Mollie was here — that 
she saw me enter this house, saw that desperate, 
vengeful woman let me in.” 

“Yes, it was true; but tell me, why does my son’s 
wife hate you so?” 

“I would rather not say, aunt— I assure you it is 
entirely to my credit though.” 


102 


OUT OF THE TEAP. 


can guess it — you could not return the love she 
once cast at your feet. ’ ’ 

“No, no, not exactly that.’’ 

“Still, she gave you to understand she had a pas- 
sion for you, and you naturally scorned her as any 
true, honorable man would. I have suspected as 
much, but it does not matter. She is his wife, and as 
Crockett has sown he must reap. You were about to 
ask me something else, nephew.” 

“Where is she now — I mean Mollie?” 

“On the way home, I have reason to believe.” 

This caused him to be anxious to follow, and yet 
remembering her fine scorn as she told him she hated 
hypocrites and detested him, John winced at the 
thought of presenting himself before her after what 
had occurred. 

Why had she braved this trip to the city, unless 
she was learning to love him — unless something 
within her heart refused to believe him the guilty 
wretch Belle Stevens declared, until she had seen his 
duplicity with her own eyes. 

The one thing that worried him at that moment 
was the fact that Mollie was on her way back to 
Lyndhurst — it was now fully eight o’clock and dark, 
and she had no protector save the antiquated old 
darky driver. 

Thus it was Colonel John’s thoughts at once flew 
to the girl whom the fortune of war had made his 
wife. 

He gloried in the fact that she had braved the 
dangers of this night trip in order to learn the exact 
truth. 

One thing was positive — she would never have 
done this unless she felt at least a certain amount of 
interest in his welfare — enough concern over his 
relations with Belle Stevens to take some risk in 
order to learn all. 

This being the case John was not half so indignant 


OUT OF THE TRAP. 


103 


over the contemptible fraud that had been used to 
draw him to the place as he might have been could 
he discover no benefit to his own cause in the matter. 

It was a miserable trick, and deserved severe con- 
demnation, but sometimes the very means taken for 
our demoralization serve as stepping-stones by which 
we can cross the river of difficulty. 

Thus he meant to utilize this matter. 

Belle Stevens had planned well — the gold of Major 
Worden had aroused her latent energies, if such a 
thing were necessary, considering how she hated his 
successful rival. 

She believed the game was in her hands, and that 
John could never explain away the circumstances 
which now clouded his name in the estimation of the 
woman he was fast learning to adore. 

But Belle Stevens was yet to . learn that sometimes 
engineers are destroyed by the very power they are 
supposed to bring into existence — in other words 
“hoist by their own petard.” 

So this game which she intended to be to his 
detriment, might yet prove one of the most powerful 
agencies for the advancement of his. 

Colonel John had made up his mind that since he 
could learn nothing more to his advantage under this 
roof, he had better be moving. 

His main thought was to overtake Mollie on the 
road if possible, and escort her in safety to Tyndhurst. 

Perhaps she might be too indignant to speak to 
— never mind, he could carry out his plan, pro- 
tect her on the way, and leave explanations to a 
more convenient season. 

Aware of his innocence, he felt strong to brave 
whatever might befall him. 

Turning to his aunt he bade her farewell. 

“I will see you again if you remain in the city. 
Aunt Sarah, and anything I may be able to do for 
you do not hesitate to speak of it.’^ 


104 


OUT OF THE TRAP. 


‘‘John, you humiliate me more and more. Then 
you forgive my share in this vile plot?’’ she asked, 
with tears in her eyes. 

“Freely and fully,” he replied. 

As he started for the door he encountered the vin- 
dictive woman who had plotted so desperately for 
his overthrow. 

One glance into his face revealed to her the fact 
that he knew all. 

She ground her teeth in rage. 

“You have escaped me again, John Ridgeway, but 
don’t flatter yourself this is the end. I shall live to 
see you suffer worse than I have endured,” she said, 
bitterly. 

, “You are a foolish woman. Belle. Why not forget 
the past and live only in the present. There is 
enough work for patriotic daughters of the South to 
do without brooding over their own private imaginary 
injuries. I wish you no ill, but remember, the next 
time you endeavor to come between Mollie Granger 
and myself I may not be so forgiving. ’ ’ 

She was not at all cowed. 

“I will never cease to be a thorn in your side,” 
she hissed, venomously. 

“I hope we will never meet again, Belle,” he said, 
as he passed from the house. 

Nor did they. 

This desperate woman, who did not hesitate to risk 
her life for the lost cause, was given a dangerous 
mission a few days later. 

She was never heard of again. 

No one knew what became of her, but the last 
seen of her was near a great dismal swamp which in 
avoiding the camp of the enemy, she may have 
attempted to pass through, only to get lost and miser- 
ably perish. 

With all her faults, and they were many, she at 
least loved her country more than her own life. 


OUT or THE TKAP. 


105 


which she freely gave as a sacrifice in the endeavor 
to assist the rapidly waning star of the sinking Con- 
federacy. 

Knowing her vindictive nature from past experi- 
ence, Colonel John would from time to time feel con- 
siderable uneasiness whenever his mind reverted to 
the female spy. 

When he stepped out of the house he found the 
faithful sergeant by the door. 

Shanks was on guard. 

He stood ready to burst in to the assistance of his 
beloved colonel at the first sign of danger. 

When the officer appeared, therefore, Shanks was 
greatly relieved. 

“To the horses, sergeant,’’ was the order. 

These had been left not far away. 

Mollie and her attendant dusky guard would have 
had possibly ten minutes’ start. 

Still, they could probably overtake the Granger 
vehicle before it had traversed more than half of the 
road leading to Lyndhurst. 

The squire had once been proud of his high- 
stepping horses. 

This was early in the war. 

The needs of the Confederate cavalry service had 
caused many a levy to be made — indeed, a drag-net 
had been used to scrape in every decent animal in 
the South. 

So the squire’s fine carriage-lrorses had long since 
been offered on the altar of patriotism and for the last 
year or so he had been content to plod along behind 
a couple of antiquated animals that filled his breast 
with scorn. 

Colonel John knew all his. 

He was not apprehensive, therefore, with regard to 
the vehicle reaching Lyndhurst before them, with 
only ten minutes’ start. 


106 


OUT OF THE TRAP. 


Once mounted, they galloped along Peach Tree 
avenue heading for the outskirts. 

Sergeant Shanks led the odd horse. 

Several times they were challenged. 

The mere fact that they wore blue uniforms was 
not enough to pass them with the pickets. 

To these men on duty Colonel John gave the 
magic word that passed them on. 

The border of the city was reached. 

Beyond lay the road leading to Lyndhurst. 

All was peaceful around them, and yet a mighty 
army lay sleeping in and about Atlanta — the army 
destined to carry terror and dismay while marching 
through Georgia. 

Far away on the distant hills could be seen 
twinkling camp-fires of another host. 

Johnston and his heroes in gray, watching and 
waiting for a chance to pounce upon the Federals at 
'some time when they could be caught napping. 

Colonel John was very fond of such war-like scenes 
— the bivouac never loses its peculiar charm in the 
mind of the soldier — memory carries him back to 
many a spot hallowed by its associations and he lives 
again in the stirring past from which he is now re_- 
moved by more than three decades. 

Several times the colonel turned in his saddle and 
swept his eyes over the spectacle. 

Their road being a little elevated gave them quite 
a view of the city where thousands of bivouac fires 
burned, lighting up the sky. 

He made no remark to his companion, for his 
mind was full of many things. 

Once, when they were halted by an outlying picket 
the colonel drew in his horse, and after giving the 
countersign, leaned over to ask if a vehicle had gone 
on before them. 

The soldier replied in the affirmative, and his de^ 


OUT OF THE TKAP. 


107 


scription of the outfit, given in a few sentences, 
tallied exactly with the squire’s rig. 

Satisfied that the one in whom he had so great an 
interest must be just a short distance ahead. Colonel 
John spurred on. 

Shanks may have been a little mystified, but he 
was a sagacious fellow, and well able to put two and 
two together. 

Perhaps he knew or suspected more than he might 
be given credit for, since he must have seen the 
cloaked figure of Mollie issue from the house and 
may have recognized the equipage and driver as be- 
longing to Ivyndhurst. 

It was not the sergeant’s place to give Utterance to 
what he might think. 

A sphinx could not have been less communicative 
until addressed. 

That was discipline. 

It makes a machine out of a man. 

There was a long stretch of road between this last 
picket post and Lyndhurst, that was practically un- 
guarded. 

This was the region Colonel John had his fears 
about, concerning the safety of his wife. 

Roving bands of guerrillas could easily pierce the 
outer line of the Federals, and doubtless came within 
reach of the buildings his men were engaged to pro- 
tect, many times. 

The presence of the Federal guard deterred them 
from making any attack upon the plantation, which 
they would have gladly done had it been in a defense- 
less state. 

As yet they had heard no signs of the vehicle 
ahead, but the picket had assured them it was not far 
away. 

After all, this might be something of a quixotic 
errand on his part, but he saw his duty pkinly before 


108 


JUST IN TIME. 


him and would not shrink no matter if his presence 
was not needed. 

As he galloped on he endeavored to map out in his 
mind some course which he had better pursue on the 
morrow, when he found himself in the oresence of 
Mollie 

He would insist on an interview. 

She could not refuse it. 

All he desired was to set himself straight in her 
eyes. 

From these reflections Colonel John was suddenly 
aroused — he surely heard a cry in the darkness be- 
yond, a cry that sounded very like a shout for help 
in a female voice. 

His blood seemed on fire at the thought of his 
worst fears being confirmed, and Mollie, his wife, 
being at the mercy of the rascals who, serving under 
neither flag, pillaged the distracted country. 

“They have been attacked !’^ were the words he 
uttered, as he spurred his horse forward. 


CHAPTER XVIIL 

JUST IN TIME. 

Sergeant Shanks dashed after his superior officer, 
almost as eager for the fray as was Colonel John him- 
self, for Shanks had long ago gained the name of a 
fire-eater, and hence had a reputation to sustain. 

It was no false alarm. 

The road at this point was sandy, so that even with 
such a rapid advance, there was no sound marking the 
onward progress, no pounding of hoofs such as would 
have been the result in another quarter where the 
thoroughfare had a hard surface. 

This proved doubly fortunate. 


JUST IN TIME. 


109 


Not only did it prevent their arrival on the scene 
from being telegraphed ahead to those who were 
engaged, but it gave the advancing warriors a chance 
to hear what was going on. 

The shouts increased. 

It was a darky who gave vent to them, and his 
manner indicated tremendous excitement. 

Faithful old Ezekial, unable to assist his beloved 
young mistress in any other way, was making all the 
noise he could, hoping to attract some one to the 
rescue. 

Certain it was he gave the most unearthly yells 
that ever agonized mortal tympanum, and the guer- 
rillas might be excused if they either turned and ran 
or set about ending his fearful chorus with a bullet. 

Colonel John, bending forward in the saddle, sought 
to discern the situation ahead as his horse carried him 
on with great bounds. 

He could see lights, as though the rascals had even 
had the assurance to start a fire at the side of the 
road and play picket. 

A dark object — that was the carriage, and around 
it the moving forms of the guerrillas. 

Though his steed fairly flew, such was the impa- 
tience of the colonel that he kept using the spurs — 
no pace could keep up with his desire. 

Thus he bore down upon the scene like a besom of 
destruction, ready to sweep anything and everything 
out of his path. 

He was inspired by a double motive^ — chivalry and 
love. 

The woman in peril at th^ hands of these fiends, 
who respected no one was Mollie Granger, and she 
was his wife. 

Straight as the arrow from the bow he flew. 

In one hand he carried his revolver — the other 
held his faithful sabre. 

When he burst upon them in this furious state they 


no 


JUST IN TIME. 


would be apt to believe a hurricane from the moun- 
tains had struck loose. 

Woe to the man who found himself in the way. 

Death would be his portion. 

Shanks was eager enough to be in any action, but 
he found himself unable to maintain the mad pace 
set by his commander. 

Hence he fell behind. 

This irritated the fire-eater intensely, as he urged 
his horse on, allowing the led animal to follow as it 
pleased, he was mingling oaths at the hard luck of 
owning an inferior mount and prayers that Colonel 
John might not finish all of the highway rogues be- 
fore his animal brought his attendant on the scene of 
action. 

As the soldier bore down on the spot where the 
Granger carriage had been waylaid, he endeavored to 
grasp the full situation. 

This was to enable him to strike where his work 
would be the most profitable. 

There was no time to be wasted. 

He saw a woman’s figure emerge from the vehicle 
— it was the squire’s daughter without a doubt, for 
he caught her brave voice as she demanded to know 
the meaning of this outrage, and then with the ven- 
geance which her father’s position might command. 

How the clear, resonant fearless voice thrilled the 
advancing horseman. 

Ezekial still kept up his struggle like a valiant 
fellow, worthy of his place, but there was a strong 
likelihood of it ending in his being cut to pieces, for 
these men were of a character not to be trifled with. 

John gave no shout t'6 introduce his advent on the 
scene of action. 

There was no necessity of warning the guerrillas. 

He rode straight into them. 

The first thing they knew concerning his presence 
was the sudden detonation of his heavy Colt. 


JUST IN TIME. 


Ill 


No man knew better how to conduct a little cam- 
paign like this than Ridgeway — he had had long ex- 
perience in a cavalry dash, and studied the effect of 
such a burst from all sides. 

Hence, he did not hesitate to pit his single ar& 
against the half-score of fierce guerrillas around the 
carriage, knowing what an advantage he had with 
his ready weapons and his unexpected advent on the 
scene. 

Besides, there was Shanks. 

He was coming, though, at a mad gallop, with the 
extra horse at his heels, and if the clatter of the 
animals’ hoofs failed to reach the ears of the startled 
guerrillas. Shanks made up for this deficiency by 
giving full vent to his lungs. 

He shouted and roared and swore until one might 
easily have believed a whole troop was coming upon 
the scene. 

Meanwhile Colonel John was in it. 

He had with a word brought his horse to a halt 
when he reached the side of the carriage, and his 
first shot was followed by a second and a third in 
rapid succession. 

His other hand holding the sabre was not idle 
and as the steel flashed in circles here, there, and 
yonder, it soon lost its brightness. 

Men as desperate as these free lances are not apt 
to be alarmed at shadows, but it was very evident to 
them they had something tangible here. 

Taken by surprise, with a human whirlwind in 
their midst dealing out death, and a heterogeneous 
body of troopers rushing to the spot, judging from 
the anomalous sounds, they might well be pardoned 
for believing it policy to seek some more congenial 
climate, since the road-side camp had become too hot 
for them. 

No doubt they were firm believers in the old and 
familiar saying to the effect that 


112 


JUST IN TIME. 


“ He who fights and runs away 
May live to fight another day.” 

At any rate a spirit of demoralization seemed to 
have come upon them. 

Each man began to consider that his own life hung 
in the balance, and made up his mind it were a need- 
less sacrifice to let it be wiped out under such dis- 
tressing conditions. 

Strange and yet true that even such desperate men 
value their lives even more than many an honest, 
upright citizen, though quite reckless and prodigal 
with reference to the existence of others. 

Seeing nothing to their advantage in remaining on 
the ground, the guerrillas broke and ran. 

At least that portion of the gang able to make use 
of the opportunity did so. 

There were some whom circumstances so con- 
trolled that they were unable to accomplish such a 
result, no matter how much they might have devsired 
to effect it. 

Their spirits were willing enough, but the flesh was 
exceedingly weak. 

One danced around upon a single leg, another 
twisted himself up in a knot and emitted lugubrious 
howls, while a third tried to crawl into the bushes, 
rolling over with each yard taken. 

Not a particularly nice sight for any young .girl’s 
eyes, but Mollie had done more or less work in the 
hospitals, caring for the Confederate wounded, and in 
these stirring war times the sight of blood was no 
novel one. 

She stood there where her enemies had left her 
upon making their hasty flight, and turned her eyes 
upon the figure of the man who had so boldly come 
to her rescue. 

By the aid of the firelight she saw his face. 

Her own flushed and turned white. 


JUST IN TIME. 


113 


‘‘Again you, Colonel Ridgeway?’’ she exclaimed, 
in her surprise hardly knowing what she said. 

Her tone caused him some embarrassment. 

“It chances so, Miss Mollie, though for your sake 
I would it weie some one else whom fortune had sent 
to your relief. ” 

There was a bitterness in his voice that told her 
even more than his words expressed. 

Mollie was generous by nature — she entertained a 
peculiar relation to this man — there were many 
reasons why she should hate him, and yet — and yet, 
she found it hard to do so, he was so brave, so noble. 

“Forgive me — I should be ungracious to say that 
— I did not mean it. Again I owe my life to you, for 
such villains as these would not hesitate at murder. 
Believe me, I am indeed thankful for your presence, 
Colonel John.” 

“Well, it was only right after all that I should be 
able to do you a good turn, seeing that you are out 
this night in my interests.” 

“Sir, what do you mean?” 

“That you came to Atlanta to be a witness of my 
meeting with that woman who claimed to be my 
wife,” he said, steadily, resolved to pursue the sub- 
ject to the bitter end now that the opportunity pre- 
sented itself, in spite of the apparently unpropitious 
surroundings. 

She seemed overwhelmed with confusion. 

“You know — she promised to tell no one — well, 
since you have said it, I admit the fact. I did not 
want to be unjust to you — I desired to make assur- 
ance doubly sure. ’ ’ 

“Which goes to prove, I take it, that though you 
called me a hypocrite, you still had doubts which 
troubled you. I am delighted to know John Ridge- 
way was at least an object of so much concern to you 
that you would undertake this dangerous mission in 


114 


JUST IN TIME. 


order to learn whether he was the guilty wretch that 
siren pictured him, or innocent of the charge.” 

“It was merely curiosity sir — nothing else I would 
have you know, ’ ’ but her blushing cheeks belied the 
words very plainly. 

“Just so. Miss Mollie. And you return under the 
conviction that my guilt is assured?” 

“I saw — her admit you,” scornfully. 

“Very true, but I had no idea she was in that 
house until I had entered.” 

“You expect me to believe that, sir?” 

“I expect to bring you proof — I am determined 
that this woman shall not ruin me in your eyes while 
I have power to prevent it. ’ ’ 

“Indeed!” 

“Belle Stevens is the wife of my cousin Crockett 
Ridgeway, whom you know.” 

This intelligence caused her to show signs of deep 
interest. 

“You say you can prove this?” 

“Ask him yourself the next time you meet. Be- 
sides, his mother, my aunt, will tell you so. It was a 
letter from her, appealing for assistance that took me 
to that house to-night — see, here it is — read it when 
you reach home.” 

“But how did you know — about — me?” 

“I will tell you. Pray, enter your carriage while 
Ezekial gets ready to move on. Those rascals may 
take it into their heads to return or send a shower of 
bullets in this direction.” 

She obeyed him, having the letter in her hand. 

“Now, tell me quickly how you learned that I was 
weak or foolish enough to take this risk because I 
feared I had done you an injustice, which I would 
not do to any man, even my most hated enemy.” 

“And I trust you do not look at me in that light, 
Miss Mollie. ” 

“No, no, since this is the second time you have 


JUST IN TIME. 


115 


been instrumental in saving my poor life. We may 
be friends I presume, but that is all.” 

“Friends it is then — I am thankful for that small 
favor,” he replied. 

Then, while the negro was getting the horses in 
condition for farther progress he related how his aunt 
had repented her share in the plot, and informed him 
of its motive. 

He did not exactly say that her change of heart 
had come about upon her learning that Mollie 
Granger was his wife, but she could infer as much 
from the words he used. 

Mollie said no more, but she had been given good 
grounds for serious reflection. 

She was a girl of more than common sense, and 
while her rabid ideas with regard to sectional differ- 
ences blinded her in some respects, the vail was 
slowly but surely being lifted from her eyes, and 
things were appearing in their natural colors free 
from outside influences. 

Only for this deep-rooted dislike for everything 
pertaining to the Federal Government she must have 
ere now have become sensibly aware of the fact that 
her destiny was wrapped up with that of the man the 
fortune of war had given her as a husband of con- 
venience. 

Indeed, his manly bearing, his gentle consideration 
for her well being, and his bravery in time of danger 
— all these things combined to arouse the keenest 
interest in her heart, against which she struggled in 
vain. 

Yes, only for that single barrier, sectional preju- 
dice, Mollie must have long ere now yielded herself 
to the destiny that seemed bearing her on. 

She knew it could not last much longer. 

Struggle as she might, the current was irresistible 
— when she would hate she was compelled to enter- 
tain feelings of warmest admiration that might, 


116 


JUST IN TIME. 


though she would not admit the soft impeachment, 
yet ripen into love. 

This man was apparently able to wield the basest 
of metals into a weapon for his defense — when ene- 
mies laid a pitfall to insnare his feet he utilized it as 
a means for climbing higher in her estimation, her 
regard. 

And he was even now knocking at the door of her 
heart, though she still stubbornly refused to open it 
and let him in. 

So Mollie’s thoughts were a trifle confused as she 
rode homeward. 

More than once she took a sly look from the win- 
dow of the carriage at the erect figure of the horse- 
man galloping alongside on the right, and somehow 
his presence there did much to assure her of safety — 
it had even come to that — she felt she could depend 
upon the stout arms that had snatched her from the 
greedy flames and just now put her enemies to 
flight. 

That he wore the hated blue was his only fault, 
and this did not appear so henious as when she stood 
up beside him on the night they were made man and 
wife in order that he might save his life and she her 
estate. 

Did Colonel John appear before her in a suit of 
gray, with sentiments corresponding to her own, she 
believed she could love him truly. 

The soldier had replaced his left arm — none the 
better for the use to which it had been put — orice 
more in its sling. He had entirely forgotten the fact 
of his being wounded in the excitement of battle, and 
used it quite freely, for which he might yet pay 
dearly — but what matter, since it was in the service 
of love. 

Thus the balance of the journey was made. 

They reached the plantation of the Grangers, the 
only place near Atlanta that had, by a peculiar com- 


JUST IN TIME. 


117 


bination of circumstances, escaped at least partial de- 
struction. 

Nothing more had been heard from the guerrillas 
who had thus pierced the Federal lines, searching 
for plunder. Perhaps the lesson taught by the 
colonel had awakened them tc the danger they ran in 
thus prowling around so close to Sherman’s outposts, 
and they had fled. 

At any rate there seemed nothing more to fear 
from them since the gates of Lyndhurst loomed up 
before their eyes. 

Colonel John had no reason tc regret the work for- 
tune had cut out for him on this night. True, it had 
at one time appeared as though the fates were against 
him, but the change of the tide sent everything his 
way. 

Not for a good deal would he have it otherwise. 

He could without any conceit realize that he had 
cut a wide swath along the road to the heart of 
Mollie Granger since darkness closed over Atlanta 
and the Federal camps. 

All that was necessary was to hold himself in 
readiness at all times to meet the foe face to face and 
wrestling with him force an advantage from the issue. 

He saw Miss Mollie into the house and bade her 
quietly good-night, which she answered in an equally 
composed manner, neither of them dreaming that the 
stirring events of that night had not come to an end. 

Upon the veranda he found several of his officers 
clustered, still smoking and discussing the daring 
assault of the preceding day, the squire having re- 
tired to his library. 


118 


NIGHT PROWLEES. 


CHAPTER XIX. 

NIGHT PROWLERS. 

Upon constilting his watch Colonel John found it 
was only a quarter after nine when he once more 
dropped into a chair with his fellow officers, and 
listened to their remarks, meanwhile solacing himself 
with a plebeian pipe. 

He discovered now that he was almost exhausted 
after the arduous duties of the day, followed by the 
adventure of the night. 

When he had that pipe smoked out he would oc- 
cupy himself with a duty he never relegated to any 
of his officers, and having satisfied his soldierly spirit 
that all was well, Morpheus might claim him until 
reveille sounded. 

He had much to reflect upon — events had indeed 
followed at each other’s heels m such rapid succession 
that it was like the march of an army carrying every- 
thing before it. 

And Colonel John had reason to feel satisfied with 
the outcome. 

His pipe was out — the hour near ten. 

He mechanically looked at his revolver to see if 
the chambers were all loaded, left his sword on the 
library table, tired of having it dangling at his heels, 
and rousing himself strode into the grounds to ob- 
serve his duties as a watchful soldier, and see that 
the guards were posted. 

Unconscious of the peril hanging over his head he 
approached the first camp-fire of his troopers. 

It was a scene calculated to arouse the admiration 
of a commander. 

The light of the blazing fire revealed a group of 


NIGHT PROWLEKS. 


119 


horses tethered near by — horses upon which these 
blue-jackets galloped like born demons on many a 
daring raid, sometimes to surprise the enemy and 
strike him on the flank when their coming was least 
expected. 

Around the cherry blaze sat the jolly troopers. 

Some were smoking pipes, others engaged in con- 
versation, while anon a genial minstrel, having bor- 
rowed a banjo from one of the plantation darkies, 
struck up a melody to which he lent the accompani- 
ment of his tuneful voice. 

So Colonel John stopped a minute before intruding, 
stopped to gaze upon the scene so in sympathy with 
his military spirit. 

These men were his comrades ; they had shared 
many dangers in common, and there was hardly a 
man in his whole regiment who would not willingly 
have gone through fire and flood for their gallant 
leader. 

Advancing, he met the sentry and gave the coun- 
tersign. 

The merriment ceased as the colonel appeared, but 
his men greeted him with cheery replies to his ques- 
tions. 

Seeing that all was well he passed on to the next 
fire, which could be seen blazing through the trees 
and undergrowth. 

The squire’s grounds had been noted for their 
beauty, and the profusion of shrubbery that adorned 
them. 

As yet the rude shock of battle had not taken place 
in this section, and hence no damage had been done. 

Only for the shrewd -scheme by which Granger 
secured a Federal officer for a son-in-law, his property 
might have suffered severely when Atlanta fell, for 
he was known to have contributed heavily toward 
defraying the expenses of the Confederate cause. 

Through the arches formed by the trees Colonel 


120 


NIGHT PEOWLERS. 


John passed, unconcious of the fact that several dark 
forms hovered near, following closely in his foot- 
steps. 

These men had been keeping the house under 
surveillance with some object in view, and that this 
concerned the Yankee colonel might be conjectured 
from the eagerness with which they dogged his 
movements. 

Again he entered the circle of light and chatted 
with Sergeant Shanks whom he found on deck. 

Between the two there passed a low conversation 
on some subject of interest, after which Colonel John 
gravely shook the other’s hand and left the little 
glade where the fire burned and the troopers made 
themselves comfortable under the balmy Southern 
skies. 

One more post remained. 

It was Colonel John’s peculiar method of doing 
business to look personally after the comfort of his 
men when he could just as well have deputized 
another to carry out the work, and this interest 
aroused a deeper feeling than respect in the breasts of 
these same dashing cavalrymen. 

When half way to the last post, the fire of which 
gleamed invitingly through the trees Colonel John 
found himself without warning in the coil of a lasso 
that had been tossed by a practiced hand from a point 
close at hand. The noose instantly tightened, fasten- 
ing his arms to his sides. Before he could think to 
shout out the alarm he was jerked from his feet to 
the ground. A couple of men sprang upon him with 
the ferocity of panthers, and within sight of his own 
camp-fires Colonel John found himself a prisoner. 


HIS LAST CIGAR. 


121 


CHAPTER XX. 

HIS LAST CIGAR. 

When cruel war rages in the land, men will de- 
scend to almost any depths in order to accomplish 
certain purposes. 

Colonel John had stumbled into a strange situation 
on the night he was taken to Eyndhurst, a prisoner. 

True, he was made a husband of convenience, and 
wedded to a girl toward whom he had since been 
wonderfully drawn, but at the same time he had in- 
curred the hostility of as vengeful a man as either of 
the opposing armies could boast. 

Major Basil Worden could not be said to represent 
the chivalry of the South. 

He was a genuine Mississippian, and had cut quite 
a figure in the affairs of that State ; but there were 
lacking in his composition certain elements that are 
by common consent supposed to make a gentleman, 
no matter whence he comes. 

Worden’s fiery nature was ablaze at the cruel trick 
fate played upon him. 

Once before, in connection with John’s cousin had 
he attempted to down the Yankee colonel, and in 
that well-laid scheme they had been defeated, as we 
have seen, by the good sense of Mollie Granger. 

This time Worden came with several companions 
sworn to run any risk in order to accomplish his end. 

When Colonel John fell into their hands, to dispose 
of him then and there would have been easy enough, 
but the chagrined Confederate had made up his mind 
that he could never rest easy unless his fortunate 
rival met the fate that had been designed for him on 
that former occasion. 


122 


HIS LAST CIGAR. 


A soldier^s death would be too good for the man 
he hated. 

Men often overreach themselves in struggling to 
clutch the first fruit that is just a little beyond their 
grasp, ignoring that which could be obtained without 
much effort. 

Colonel John received rough treatment at the hands 
of his captors, but although dazed by the blows they 
dealt him he did not quite lose his presence of mind. 

Taught by the cunning opossum, which he had as 
a boy hunted in the woods near Atlanta, he feigned a 
state of insensibility, and allowed his captors to carry 
him out of the grounds neck and heels, as though he 
were only a billet of wood. 

These men knew what they were doing, and had 
made all preparations for a successful carrying out of 
their plans. 

Lyndhurst was close upon the outer line of the 
Union Army, and once beyond the pickets they need 
fear no further danger. 

A vehicle was in waiting, rather a ram-shackle 
affair, drawn by a mule and engineered by a darky, 
but it served their purpose admirably and in a short 
time they were moving over the neutral ground lying 
between the hostile armies. 

Colonel John had fully recovered his senses, but 
feigned an apathetic state, not wishing them to know 
his true condition. 

Lying there,, jolted by the passage of the springless 
wagon until the breath was almost knocked out of his 
body, he endeavored to catch what he could of the 
conversation between the men who were crowded in 
the small space. 

Learning what they intended doing with him was 
not conducive to a comfortable frame of mind, but 
as a soldier. Colonel John had long ago learned to 
take danger by the throat and throttle the monster. 
He showed his characteristic diplornacy by arrang- 


HIS LAST CIGAB. 


123 


ing certain plans of his own, whereby he might be 
able to defeat the enemy at his game. 

At length the darky turned his ancient quadruped 
into an open gateway. 

Here lay an old house that, having been in the line 
of fire during one of the last fierce engagements be- 
fore Atlanta, was pretty much of a ruin now. 

Shot and shell had torn through it. 

Some Confederate sharpshooters had taken refuge 
within the building, and so fatal had been their in- 
cessant fire that the attention of the Federal gunners 
was directed towaid this quarter, and thie order went 
forth to dislodge them at any cost. 

Under cover of a heavy cannonading a force was 
sent forward and succeeded in chasing the deadly 
marksmen from their quarters. 

Into this half-wrecked building, now within the 
Confederate lines, as the two armies had in a measure 
changed places, they carried John. 

It was a fit place for such a dark deed as the Con- 
federate major had in view. 

Gaping holes in the walls showed where the shot 
had plunged through — piles of debris on the floor 
told of ruin above, and it was only a question of time 
when a storm would lay the once stately pile low. 

Such are the ravages of war ; they could be seen 
like the trail of the serpent wherever a hostile army 
made its way. 

A devastated Shenandoah Valley, once fruitful, a 
veritable Eden, now a blackened waste, spoke in elo- 
quent language of war’s cruelty. 

And later on Sherman’s march to the sea would 
cause a swath of destruction behind, for when such an 
army cuts loose and lives upon the land they leave 
little behind. 

In this old house Colonel John was to finish the 
tragedy cut short by his escape on the former occa- 
sion. 


124 


HIS LAST CIGAK. 


They had condemned him as a spy, and the finding 
of a drumhead court-martial hung over him, no 
matter if time had flown. 

Worden’s motive was very gauzy — he did not work 
from patriotic impulses, but purely personal desires. 

To make Mollie a widow — that was his design 
stripped of all disguise. 

It pleased his vindictive nature to disgrace the ob- 
ject of his hatred as much as possible. 

Possibly that was a freak of fortune by means of 
which he might be overcome by his own eagerness — 
hoist through his own petard, as it were. 

They learned by this time that John was himself 
again. 

A flambeau had been brought upon the scene, and 
the prisoner, with his hands fastened by stout cord, 
stood there before his enemies. 

There was no quailing about his eyes — they looked 
into the mad orbs of Major Worden with a contempt- 
uous coolness that caused a gritting of the teeth, 
but, remembering that the game was his, the latter 
smiled. 

Turning to his men he bade them prepare the rude 
gallows, and a rope, the same that had been instru- 
mental in his last capture, was thrown across a pro- 
jecting beam where the shock of a passing cannon 
ball had dislodged the plaster. Then Worden spoke. 

“Colonel Ridgeway, you were tried before a court- 
martial, of which I chanced to be the presiding 
officer, and condemned to death as a Federal spy. 
The fact that you escaped before we could inflict the 
punish^nent of the court did not remove from your 
head the penalty, and whenever found it must be 
carried out. Therefore, it becomes my duty at this 
time to warn you that you have just half an hour to 
live.” 

John maintained his composure. 

“What time have you now, major?” he asked. 


HE PKEPEERED TAKING THE MESSAGE HIMSELF. 125 


‘‘It is just half after ten, sir.’’ 

“And eleven ” 

“You will have ceased to live.” 

The major did not attempt to conceal his lively 
satisfaction at such a consummation. 

“H’m ! a serious prospect truly. Will you do me a 
favor, Major Worden?” 

“Well, since it is the last one you can ask I don’t 
mind, if it is in my power.” 

Even Worden could be magnanimous at such a 
moment as this. 

“Reach your hand to the upper pocket of my coat 
— there is a cigar case containing one lone. weed. If 
I am to die permit me to have a last smoke. ” 

As a smoker himself Worden could not refuse. He 
placed the weed between John’s teeth. 

“I’ll keep the case to remember you by.” 

“Very good. And now, a light if you please, 
major. Ah ! that is pleasant, indeed. Thanks.” 

Tittle did Worden think as he applied the match 
that he was supplying the spark to the magazine 
destined to destroy his carefully laid plans. 


CHAPTER XXL 

HE PREFERRED TAKING THE MESSAGE HIMSELF. 

The Confederate officer did not leave John to his 
own thoughts. 

He had other words to say, for there remained the 
pleasant task of rubbing salt and pepper into the 
gaping wounds of his enemy. 

“You understand that I am more your enemy. 
Colonel Ridgeway, than might come for merely being 
on opposing sides. It is no secret to you that before 
the singular twist fortune gave to your affairs by 


126 HE PREFEEKEi) TAKING THE MESSAGE HIMSELF. 

sending you into this region and making you the 
husband of Mollie Granger, I was a suitor, and a 
favored one I have reason to believe, for her hand. ’ ’ 

“So I have understood, major,” replied the other, 
smoking his cigar slowly, as if desirous of making it 
last. 

“Since you stepped across my path I have sworn 
to get rid of you. It may please you to know that I 
mean to marry your widow. ” 

Colonel John shrugged his shoulders. 

“A man is the plaything of fate, major. I married 
to save my life, and now I am to lose the same be- 
cause I stood up on that occasion. That is a rule that 
works both ways, but it strikes me as hard upon the 
innocent party. ’ ’ 

“I admit your act was forced on you, and though 
furious enough on that night to have taken your life, 
I would have probably recovered and let you live, 
seeing that Mollie could get a divorce, had you gone 
away and never shown up again. The fact of your 
presence here, in daily contact with the girl whom 
fortune has made your wife, gives me to believe 
that you mean to strive after her heart. She is 
romantic like most of her sex. It is the fear that 
after all you may win her heart that makes a devil 
out of me, for I tell you, Ridgeway, I worship Mollie, 
and I’ve sworn no one else shall ever win her 
love. ” 

He was aroused by his feelings and Colonel John 
actually felt a certain admiration for the' man who 
would fight for what he believed to be his own, 
though his title to the property was certainly hazy. 

He shrugged his shoulders. 

“Well, you’ve got the whip-hand now, my dear 
fellow, that’s positive.” 

“At the same time Colonel Ridgeway, I admit that 
I feel above this manner of making way with a rival. 
I am a gentleman, and we Southern people lay claim 


HE PEEFERKED TAKING THE MESSAGE HIMSELF. 127 

to peculiar qualities in that line. I will give you a 
chance for your life. ” 

Colonel John looked at him quickly. 

“What are the conditions?” 

“That you swear on your honor to get a transfer, 
and never again seek out Mollie Granger, the girl 
made your wife by the fortunes of war. You under- 
stand what I mean?” 

“I do, most assuredly,” replied the colonel. 

“Well, what is your answer?” 

“I refuse to sign the bond,” .calmly, sending out 
a few rings of smoke. 

One might imagine he was discussing the price of 
flour in Northern markets, such was his coolness, yet 
his life hung in the balance. 

“You recognize the inevitable consequences?” 

“Oh, yes,” with a glance at the swaying rope and 
its ghastly noose at the end. 

Major Worden looked at him in a peculiar way. It 
was as though he hardly knew whether to let admira- 
tion or hate get the upper hand. This man aston- 
ished him. 

Gradually a black frown crept over his face. 

“I see that my suspicions were right. Faith, I 
didn’t nil) this matter in the bud any too soon. 
You’ve reached the point where you’ve fallen in 
love with ” 

“My wife. ” 

“Yes, that’s true, confound you, Ridgeway.” 

“Can you blame me, major?” 

“Perhaps not, but all the same I’m determined 
you won’t cross my path much longer. I’ve known 
Mollie many years and have sworn to make her my 
wife. I’ve stood guard all this time, ready to chal- 
lenge any Southern suitor who might appear, and 
you can depend on it I don’t mean to let a Northern 
man carry off the prize from under my nose, because 


128 HE PKEFEllEED TAKING THE MESSAGE HIMSELF. 

he chances to come along at the time the foolish old 
squire has an idea. ’ ’ 

“The squire has a long head and don’t you forget 
it. He knows enough to get in out of the rain, and 
that’s more than some people do. As to priority of 
claim on Mollie Granger, I think I can outdate you. ’ ’ 

“How so, sir?” 

“She promised to be my wife just sixteen years 
ago, so you see she has only kept her word. ’ ’ 

“Nonsense — she was a child then.” 

“Just so, and my little playmate. I saved her once 
when she fell into a brook. Being ten years her 
senior I called her my little sweetheart. This peculiar 
event is after all but the hand of fate shaping our 
destinies. ’ ’ 

“I remember now — your cousin Crockett told me 
you lived in the house that burned. It does not 
matter. The finding of the drumhead court shall be 
carried out. You have now just fifteen minutes to 
live. I have written a few lines which I am about to 
send to Mollie by a special messenger. They will give 
her satisfaction, since they save her the slow legal 
process of separation. Perhaps you would like to hear 
them. ” 

He took out a paper and read : 


“The finding of the drumhead court over which 
I had the honor to preside, has been carried out. 
Colonel John Ridgeway, the spy, was executed at 
exactly eleven o’clock. Allow me to congratulate 
you on your freedom from an odious Federal hus- 
band. Basil Worden, Major C. S. A.” 

“You are banking heavily on the belief that Mollie 
hates me. Perhaps you may be surprised in that re- 
spect. However, I have nothing more to say. If I 
have less than fifteen minutes to live and my cigar 


HE EEEFEEilED TAKING THE MESSAGE HIMSELF. 129 

half burned, kindly leave me to finish it alone with 
m-y thoughts.” 

“With pleasure.” 

So saying the major wheeled and stalked away. 

Colonel John sat down on the floor. 

He seemed to be wrapped in meditation, for his 
head was bent forward. 

Some persons claim to tell the state of mind of a 
smoker by his manner of sending out the rings of 
smoke. 

If there is truth in this Colonel John must have 
been thinking at a furious rate, for he puffed vigor- 
ously at his cigar, and surrounded himself with quite 
a cloud of smoke. 

There was deep design back of his action, as he 
carried out a brilliant scheme^ that had flashed into 
his mind some time before. 

The rapid smoking created a glowing spot of fire 
at the end of the cigar, and as John bent forward he 
raised his hands, applying the burning end of the 
cigar to the cord. 

Fire has accomplished wonderful things before 
now, and it served John’s purpose. 

The cord was burned, and his hands ready to be- 
come free. 

No wonder he experienced a thrill of satisfaction, 
and made up his mind that the finding of the court 
would not be carried out on this particular occa-. 
sion. 

The messenger had gone with the note — it was the 
old darky, but unless his mule made better progress 
returning than in coming to his place John had little 
fears regarding his ability to overtake the courier. 

So he smoked on, and watched and planned. 

They had robbed him of his revolver, but he knew 
how this could be remedied. 

His cigar was exhausted. 

John still remained in the same position, as it was 


130 


OUT OF THE TOILS. 


his desire to conceal the fact that the cord had been 
burned almost through. 

At length there was a stir, and the major was seen 
loo'king at his watch. 

Then the men advanced. 

The time for action had come, and Colonel John 
shut his teeth with a snap as he watched their ad- 
vance, knowing how fraught with importance were 
the next few seconds, for him. 

“Come, it is one minute of eleven. Have you any 
message to send your people — or Mollie?’’ said the 
major, grimly. 

“Yes, but I prefer to takeht myself.” 

They were close to him now, and his* quick eye 
had noted its opportunity. One of the men was 
actually carrying the colonel’s six-shooter, and the 
temptation proved irresistible. 

With a quick movement John’s hand shot out, and 
his fingers snatched the weapon from the Confeder- 
ate’s belt. 

There were cries of amazement, of consternation, 
and then with a leap the Federal had reached the 
blazing flambeau, torn it from the wall and dashed it 
to the floor, bringing darkness upon the scene. 


CHAPTER XXII. 

OUT OF THE TOILS. 

The scene was one of great confusion, and kaleido- 
scopic changes. 

Colonel John, with his life at stake, was ready to 
undertake any risk in order to successfully accom- 
plish his end. 

Having thus deftly secured a weapon and in a 
measure made himself master of the situation, he pro- 


OUT OF THE 'roiI.S. 


131 


ceeded to follow up the advantage by a series of quick 
movements that were apt to prove demoralizing to 
the enemy. 

No sooner had darkness come upon the scene than 
the Federal changed his position and fired a shot in 
the direction of a sound that was undoubtedly caused 
by one of his enemies moving. 

Then he instantly changed his quarters. 

He held the advantage, for his foes numbering at 
least four, could not be sure that their fire was 
directed at the daring Federal, while all John had to 
do was to make his shots count when he could. 

This singular duel in the dark was kept up for the 
space of several minutes. 

A heavy pall of smoke filled the room, in the 
midst of which the fitful flashes from detonating re- 
volvers appeared like the sudden illumination of 
giant fire-flies. 

Shouts also -arose, shouts that were significant of 
rage and pain, for Colonel John was not doing all 
this work without some result, and the satellites of 
the major, perhaps even that worthy himself, had ere 
this tasted of his lead. 

Such a mimic battle within the Confederate lines 
was apt to draw attention, and John had especial 
reasons for desiring to make a speedy exit from the 
room before a squad of fresh enemies arrived on the 
scene. 

His later efforts were therefore directed toward dis- 
covering the position of the door. 

As eyesight was of little avail in that smoky 
atmosphere he found himself compelled to depend 
upon his sense of touch. 

Groping along the wall he presently came in con- 
tact with the object of his solicitude. 

To open was but the work of a second, and slip- 
ping through the narrow space he found himself 


132 


OUT OF I'HE TOILS. 


breathing the pure air. It was a relief from the 
smoke of the interior. 

The last sounds he heard were the groans of those 
who nursed their wounds, and the loud though husky 
voice of the doughty major calling for light. 

Once free from the building Colonel John made 
his way to the road. 

He could hear the voices of men who were running 
in the direction of the house, and found it a difficult 
matter to avoid the detachment of Confederates from 
a neighboring camp. 

These men who came hurrying in the direction of 
the house doubtless knew nothing of the truth. 

They were drawn in that direction by the loud 
cries, accompanied by the quick percussion of re- 
volver-shots that throl)bed upon the air, for such 
things do not occur without a meaning, and in war 
times that meaning can be readily understood. 

Colonel John had already been through a consider- 
able experience during this night. 

To few men in a year’s time do adventures come 
such as had been his portion since old Phoebus 
dropped his glowing face behind the hills that lay to 
the west of Atlanta. 

His was a warrior nature, however, and one that 
could not be overwhelmed. 

Misfortunes might come thick and fast, by fair 
means and foul, but John Ridgeway would never 
yield himself a prisoner until every endeavor that lay 
in his power had been made. 

So, when he heard these Confederate soldiers rush- 
ing in the direction of the house, and realized that 
his course was blocked by their coming, the Yankee 
officer had to bring to his aid that diplomacy which 
on other occasions had served him so well. 

It did not desert him now. 

He desired no encounter. 


OUT OF THE TOILS. 


133 


What he had gone through with of late had in a 
measure exhausted him. 

At any rate a renewal of the desperate struggle 
with fresh enemies was to be avoided. 

His quick eye took in the situation. 

If he could dodge behind certain logs that were 
conveniently at hand he would have a good chance to 
give them the slip. 

For the moment he found himself between two 
fires — those of his enemies advancing from the direc- 
tion of the Federal camp, and the others who were 
still within the house. 

One thing favored the colonel. 

This was the fact that his escape from the house 
had been so skillfully effected that his foes did not 
immediately become aware of the circumstances. 

Consequently they were still occasionally banging 
away at random within. 

Their hoarse shouts had deadened what small 
amount of noise John had made in opening and 
closing the door, and the powder smoke assisted 
materially in preventing thei;r eyes from discovering 
the truth. 

Thus those whose dearest wish it was to riddle the 
body of the Federal colonel with their bullets were 
kept fully occupied in dodging about the room, and 
blazing away whenever they suspected the object of 
their solicitude was near them. 

It was a peculiar condition of affairs. 

John would have been very much inclined to give 
vent to his feeling in laughter only for the deadly 
danger that menaced him in front. 

In later days the affair would appeal to his fine 
sense of humor, and serve as a tonic with which to 
chase away the blue devils more than a few times. 

He managed to drop behind the logs, though it 
was with some misgivings lest one or more of the 
rapidly approaching Confederates might have seen 


134 


OUT OF THE TOILS. 


his figure, and be impelled by curiosity if nothing 
more to institute a search. 

This would soon be settled, however. 

They were coming up fast. 

As yet the tumult and confusion within the old 
house had not ceased. 

Wounds had been given freely, and the recipients 
of the same had by this time been worked up to such 
a pitch of frenzied excitement that they cared little 
whether they struck friend or foe in their reckless 
shooting — indeed, under such peculiar conditions, all 
men must be looked upon as foes. 

So far as they were concerned it would seem that 
the fugitive_had little or nothing to fear. 

All he hoped was that the advancing forces would 
pass by his place of concealment. 

Those in the lead did so. 

Luck appeared to be in his favor. 

He was even congratulating himself on this fact, 
and feeling less of a strain on his mind, when the 
whole fabric of his hopes was knocked down. 

Three men came to a halt. 

They were not more than ten feet away from the 
man in hiding. 

Thus he was enabled to hear every word they 
uttered, in spite of the furious sounds coming from 
the direction of the house, which, it faintly struck 
him, were now united in terror. 

“Are you sartin, Cooney?’’ said one. 

“Just as sure as that I’ve got a head. He dodged 
in among these logs whoever or whatever it was,” 
declared a second and very positive voice. 

“Might have been a dog. ” 

“Or a bar.” 

At this there arose a protest. 

“Thar isn’t no bars around this section. Pete 
comes from the backwoods whar they’re at hum. 
Now, if I was asked my opinion I’d say ’twant no 


OUT OF THE TOILS. 


135 


dog nor yet a bar, but a black nigger in the wood- 
pile; you’ve-heard that said, I reckon,” with a laugh. 

“No matter who or what it am, let’s get it out. 
Perhaps thar’s some connection atween this here 
thing as we don’t know its natur, and the lovely 
rumpus in the house yonder.” 

There spoke a wise man. 

He had one auditor, however, who was not likely 
to applaud his verdict. 

This was the self-same party designated under the 
general term of a “thing,” who crouched in the 
midst of the wood-pile and awaited the coming in- 
vestigation in anything but a pleasant frame of mind. 

Escape seemed hopeless. * 

All around him the enemy appeared, and now 
they were about to probe all the dark spots con- 
nected with the big pile of wood. 

In another minute or two he might expect to find 
these worthies stabbing each centre of gloom most 
viciously with sabre or bayonet. 

Ugh ! the prospect was not very inviting. 

What made it worse was the fact that he had so 
poor a chance of defense. 

One of his arms was wounded and hardly in a con- 
dition for service. 

His revolver? * 

In its way a very valuable weapon. 

What it needed, however, to make it serviceable 
was a properly digested dinner — even the most re- 
liable of six-shooters cannot be counted on with any 
measure of confidence in an emergency of this kind, 
unless there are cartridges lodged within at least 
several of the little chambers. 

His weapon was empty. 

Besides that he had nothing with which he could 
protect himself save his good right arm. 

This being the case, the dismay that seized upon 
our soldier hero may be readily appreciated. 


136 


OUT OF THE ToiLS. 

He had made the most desperate bid for liberty, 
but it began to look as though fortune frowned upon 
his efforts. 

As to giving up, of course such an idea did not 
enter into his calculations. 

He knew no such word as fail. 

With him there could only be a struggle against 
overwhelming odds until the seas of adversity utterly 
overwhelmed him. 

So, as he crouched there, he shut his teeth together 
in the grim manner peculiar to a desperate man, and 
gathering his powers awaited what seemed to be the 
inevitable onset. 

It did not come. 

Just when luck seemed to have utterly deserted the 
brave soldier there was a turn in the tide. 

It was as welcome as unexpected to him. 

The three Confederates had reached the wood-pile, 
and were already engaged in cutting the air with the 
weapons they held. 

As they industriously labored in this manner, 
they laughed and joked in a cold-blooded way as to 
how they would carve the black rascal when by good 
fortune they discovered him. 

This was all very fine fun for the boys, as in the 
fable, but death to the frog. 

They drew nearer his hiding-place. 

In another minute Colonel John would be obliged 
to spring out and show himself unless he cared to be 
spitted on a sabre like a fowl. 

He gripped his revolver, which could only be used 
now as a billet. 

What chance would he have if he suddenly sprang 
out and ran ? 

Would the men pursue? 

He was fairly light of foot, and under ordinaiy 
conditions might hope to elude them, several things 


OUT OF THE TOILS. 


137 


being in his favor, such as the fact of darkness sur- 
rounding them. 

There was one thing, however, that made the 
colonel hesitate. 

He knew full well these men cared little or noth- 
ing about human life. 

Whether they still labored under the impression 
that the figure thus springing into view was that of a 
wretched darky, or recognizing him as a soldier be- 
longing to the hostile army, it was all the same. 

Before the hunted fugitive had gone ten paces 
three guns would have belched out their contents. 

At such a short distance he could not hope to 
evade the shower of lead, and in all probability, be- 
fore the echoes of the volley had ceased to sound he 
would be lying there, dead. 

It was a terrible position. 

Try as he would Colonel John found little from 
which to make a choice. 

In his desperation he even decided that his best 
plan was attack instead of fight — that if he could sud- 
denly leap upon the nearest of his persistent enemies, 
knock him down, seize upon his gun, and open fire 
on the others, there might be at least a fair measure 
of hope for him. 

Before he had been forced into accepting these 
desperate chances the sudden change in the tide came 
about. 

The first John knew of it was when one of the 
men gave vent to a shout : 

“Look! the old rookery’s ablaze!” 

Of course he meant the house in which the 
Federal colonel had been taken by his enemies, and 
where he had defied them — the house they had in- 
tended should be the scene of his execution, but 
which, strangely enough now, gave promise of prov- 
ing a funeral pyre to some of their number. 


138 


OUT OF THE TOILS. 


Involuntarily even Colonel John bent his startled 
gaze in that quarter. 

It was no false alarm. 

Flames were already bursting out of the windows, 
showing what a fire trap the rookery was. 

How the fire had started was no mystery, since 
the reckless bombardment within had continued up 
to the very moment when the flames made their ap- 
pearance. 

Then it ceased. 

Perhaps the ammunition of the combatants within 
had been exhausted, or it might be they were now 
awakened to the deadly danger menacing them from 
another quarter. 

At any rate the fact of the house being on fire 
served John a good turn. 

The three men ceased their labor and turned their 
attention toward the house. 

Even as they looked there came a flying figure 
through one of the windows. 

The man did not wait to raise the sash. 

He was in two big a hurry. 

As he sprang he carried the whole sash with him, 
and there was the greatest kind of a jingling as the 
shattered glass rattled on the ground. 

The cause of this worthy’s extreme haste was 
made evident as soon as he appeared. 

He was on fire. 

The sight of a man with his clothing ablaze, thus 
leaping from the window, was enough in itself to 
startle the spectators. 

As soon as he landed on the ground he began to 
roll over and over, with considerable presence of 
mind, acting under the belief that the cool earth 
would extinguish the flames. 

All the while, however, he was bellowing madly 
for assistance, though no one was in a position to 
lend him much of a helping hand. 


OUT OF THE TOILS. 


139 


Even in this fleeting glimpse which John had 
obtained of the man he believed he recognized him 
as Major Worden. 

It cannot be said that he felt much sympathy for 
his rival and foe, since the man had acted toward 
him in such a merciless, manner. 

After all, it looked like a just punishment. 

As he dealt to others so Heaven meted out punish- 
ment to him. 

Other figures appeared. 

These, however, came through the door-way. 

They staggered like drunken men — perhaps this 
was in part due to their wounds, and in addition the 
pungent smoke which, filling the interior, had weak- 
ened them. 

After them they dragged a comrade too far gone 
to help himself. 

It was a strange sight. 

No wonder Colonel John gazed upon it with con- 
siderable emotion. 

He was the direct cause of the whole affair. 

It made his breast heave at thewery thought. 

They had stood a dozen men against one, and yet 
he could claim the victory. 

Surely that was something to be proud of. 

He had no further need of worry concerning the 
trio of fellows who had been so industriously examin- 
ing the precincts of the wood-pile. 

The spectacle presented b> the blazing house, and 
the sight of men leaving it in such mad haste, had ap- 
pealed to their curiosity. 

They even forgot what had latterly engaged their 
attention, and started on a run for the house. 

This was John’s chance. 

He could not afford to lose it. 

lyife was just as precious to him as to any other 
man who ever breathed, though in the heat of battle 


140 


OUT OF THE TOILS. 


he did show a reckless disregard of it that could be 
set down to his ardor and patriotism. 

It was bad enough to fall in honorable battle, at 
the hands of an enemy worthy of respect ; but to 
meet death in an execrable manner, to be executed 
as a spy, merely to whet the personal revenge of 
one who hated him as a rival, was something that 
he could not view without a shudder. 

When, therefore, he found the coast apparently 
clear, he lost no time in leaving his place of hiding. 

In one sense it had served him well. 

Still, should he continue to cling to his quarters he 
might soon have occasion to regret it, for the three 
men, finding the excitement of the fire to pall upon 
their senses, might presently return to resume their 
play at the wood-pile. 

On the whole, the opportunity was too good to be 
lost, since a kind fortune had paved the way. 

He again sought the open ground and began to 
run for the shelter of the woods. 

Some evil fortune caused one of the men to turn 
and look over his shoulder when half way to the 
burning house. 

Colonel John had by this time gotten such a start 
that under ordinary conditions he might have been 
safe from discovery. 

It chanced, however, that the very thing which 
had served him so well in drawing his foes away now 
played him an evil turn. 

This was the fire. 

As the flames burst out of various windows and 
began to lick up the dry wood so eagerly, they dis- 
sipated the semi-darkness that had heretofore 
wrapped the surrounding territory in its mantle. 

Thus, this Confederate trooper, looking back with- 
out any definite reason, discovered the fleeing figure of 
the Federal colonel, making for the woods. 

He knew not who the unknown was and cared less. 


“TEARS SHED FOR ME ?” 141 

The idea came that it must be the fellow whom 
they had sought in the wood-pile. 

If that was the case he deserved death. 

So the trooper swung his gun around and with as 
good an aim as the conditions allowed let fly. 

One detonation more or less mattered little. 

The fleeing figure threw up both arms and fell in a 
heap upon the ground. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

“tears shed for me 

Colonel John was not killed by the bullet which 
the Confederate trooper sent in his direction. 

The intention of the aforesaid trooper was doubt- 
less good enough, but his execution a trifle faulty. 

Perhaps his haste was to blame, or his aim a little 
unsteady. 

In all probability, however, the real cause might 
be laid at the door of the flashing flames wliich made 
it very deceptive light. 

Tile motive of the colonel for pretending that he 
had been laid out by the bullet was plain enough. 

He fully expected the other two men, and indeed 
perhaps half a score to boot, would be ready to follow 
the first shot with a shower of lead. 

It was in the hope and expectation of avoiding 
these that he thus threw himself forward, and rolled 
upon the ground with all the symptoms of a dying 
man, when in truth the leaden messenger had hurtled 
harmlessly by a foot or two from his head. 

He was only ten feet, more or less, from the edge 
of the woods. 

Once in the shelter of the trees. Colonel John felt 
his chances of escape would be much better than on 
the open. 


142 


“TEAES SHED FOE ME ?’ 


When he threw himelf forward with such a 
dramatic effect, Ridgeway managed to roll over and 
over several times until he had reduced the distance 
by half. 

He brought up in such a position that he could 
look in the direction of the house. 

This was a wise precaution. 

The fellow who had fired might evince some curi- 
osity concerning the nature of his game or the possi- 
ble brilliancy of his aim, and it would be only natural 
for him to come out to investigate. 

In this surmise Colonel John made a centre shot. 
Some such motive influenced the marksman. 

He had left his comrades and was advancing toward 
the spot where the object of his quick fire had fallen. 
Perhaps he was influenced by a desire for spoils. 
Colonel John never waited to inquire. 

He believed he had seen all he desired of these 
rough men with their dangling noose and ready 
weapons. 

Just at that moment he yearned for the peace and 
quiet of the planter’s house. 

His first act was to roll over several times, of 
course in the direction of the trees. 

He heard a shout. 

It expressed both surprise and anger. 

This told him the enemy had discovered his little 
trick. 

No doubt the trooper was already on the jump, 
eager to reach the scene and prevent his prey from 
making an escape. 

Ridgeway had no idea of awaiting his coming, 
since he was in no condition to meet the man. 

How different his actions might have been did 
there remain a few charges in his revolver — the ad- 
vancing bully might then have found himself in as 
hot a position as did Worden at the time he carried 
the window sash and all with him in his mad leap. 


“TEARS SHEE EOR ME r 


143 


Knowing his only chance lay in speedy flight the 
Federal rolled over a few more times. 

He was now at the border of the trees. 

The trooper stumbling along and shouting at the 
top of his hoarse voice, had managed to clear half of 
the distance that originally separated him from the 
unknown object at which his bullet had been sent it 
seemed in vain. 

Had he possessed another fire-arm, a revolver of 
any sort, no doubt he would have opened a hot fusil- 
lade as he ran, but being destitute of such an appen- 
dix to his ordinary outfit, he could only shout and 
gallop along, brandishing his carbine above his head 
in the wild way to which as a cavalryman he was 
doubtless addicted when on horseback. 

Now, while Colonel John had a healthy respect for 
flying lead, born of intimate acquaintance in the past, 
he cared little or nothing for mere vocal music in 
the shape of threats, no matter what fearful shape 
they assumed. 

Consequently, when he had arrived at what he 
considered the proper position for a new move, he 
jumped to his feet without further ceremony and im- 
mediately made a plunge into the woods. 

A singular thing occurred just then. 

The colonel bounded straight into the arms of 
another trooper who, attracted by the conflagration 
had been hurrying to the spot, taking his course 
through the woods. 

When two bodies moving in opposite directions 
come together, the collision is apt to be severe, and 
in nine cases out of ten the one which at the moment 
of contact chances to be moving the faster comes out 
better than the other. 

In this case it was the Federal who dashed upon 
the Confederate trooper, who, too astonished to offer 
any. resistance, even if such a thought had come into 


144 


“TEAKS SHED FOR ME ?“ 


his head, merely opened his arms and received the 
shock. 

Such was the impetus with which John commenced 
to make his dash into the woods that he quite car- 
ried the other off his feet, and both rolled over in a 
heap. 

This was in one way an unfortunate thing for the 
Federal officer. 

Left alone with the fellow he could readily have 
mastered him. 

The thought that struck him with alarm was the 
fact that the other trooper was advancing as fast as 
his legs could carry him. 

Given half a minute or so of time and he must 
reach, the spot. 

What then? 

Well, he would have a chance to use his sabre to 
some advantage, and without any danger in return, 
seeing that the Federal would be in no condition to 
make any defense. 

The very thought encouraged John to make the 
most desperate efforts toward release. 

Although they had gone down together the Con- 
federate was naturally underneath. 

Through instinct more than anything else he had 
clasped his long arms around the body of his un- 
known antagonist. 

It was with the pertinacity of a bull-dog, however, 
that he maintained this hold. 

Vain were John’s frantic endeavors to make those 
steel-like bands relax. 

He seemed held as tightly as in a vise. 

Then like an inspiration there came to him the re- 
membrance of the fact that he held in one hand the 
empty revolver. 

This he had clung to through all. 

It might now serve him a good purpose. 


“TEAES SHED FOR ME 


145 


Without a second’s delay he commenced to batter 
the trooper with the weapon. 

Such a fusillade of blows raining upon his face 
made the fellow lose alb desire to hold his tormentor 
in the circuit of his embrace — indeed, just then his 
one thought seemed to be a desire to get rid of such 
a plague without delay. 

No sooner did John find the long arms release 
their hold than he was quick to avail himself of the 
chance presented. 

He sprang to his feet. 

It was high time. 

The second trooper had made good use of his op- 
portunity, and was almost within striking distance. 

Possibly he was a little astonished, for the mole- 
hill had turned into a mountain. 

He was also quite enraged because of the clever 
trick played upon him. 

Now that he had reached a point where, thanks to 
the glare of the burning house ^he could see the blue 
regimentals of the unknown, something like the 
truth flashed into his brain. 

At any rate he held Colonel'John responsible for 
the tumult — for the conflagration and all that this 
entailed. 

So, like a young hurricane rushing upon its in- 
tended prey the fellow bore down upon John. 

Patience has its limits. 

The Federal had about reached that point where 
forbearance ceased to be a virtue. 

He was moreover forced into a corner, and where it 
became absolutely necessary that he adopt some new 
line of tactics. 

The man as he came swinging forward had his gun 
raised. 

No doubt it was his full intention to make use of 
the clubbed weapon in scattering the brains of the in- 
trepid Yankee to the four winds. 


146 


“TEARS SHED FOR ME ?” 

To this disposal of his own individual property 
Colonel John was ready to enter a demurrer. 

He believed there were other uses to which this 
same brain power might be put, and which would be 
more to his advantage. 

Instead of endeavoring to leap in among the trees 
and make off, he simply backed away and stood there 
as if awaiting the onset. 

His defiant attitude and the manner in which he 
presented the revolver gave the trooper the impres- 
sionHhat he was heading into great peril. 

He fully expected to hear the sharp report, and 
feel the sudden twinge, that would declare the fact of 
his being wounded. 

Nevertheless he was possessed of grit, and instead 
of dodging aside, as the colonel had hoped might be 
the case, he rushed directly forward, meaning to be 
upon the enemy ere he could fire. 

It was a foolhardy act providing John had been so 
situated that he could reap the full advantages thus 
offered to him. 

There was plenty of opportunity to pull a trigger 
and plant a ball just where it would accomplish the 
most good. 

Unfortunately John could not avail himself of the 
chance, but after all it did not matter. 

Something else intervened. 

Fortune was not yet done playing strange tricks. 

The man who advanced, found it necessary to keep 
his eyes upon the object of his assault, for he be- 
lieved he might even yet escape the bullet he ex- 
pected soon to be loosed. 

Under these conditionsr he could not very well ob- 
serve the route he was taking. 

There was an obstacle in the way. 

This proved to be nothing more nor less than the 
half-stunned fellow with whom Colonel John had 


‘TEAKS SHED FOB ME ?’ 


147 


just engaged, and over whose devoted cranium he 
had exercised his arm with so much vigor. 

Of course the second trooper tripped. 

Losing his balance he fell headlong to the ground 
at the feet of the colonel. 

Some instinct seemed to cause him to immediately 
lay hold of the other’s ankles. 

This the colonel at once resented as an insult to his 
dignity. 

As his flight was impeded he found himself com- 
pelled to turn upon his enemy, bound to make him 
release his hold. 

Down upon his knees he dropped and again began 
striking out right and left with his revolver. 

Oaths and then groans and cries of pain attested 
to the fact that he was visiting condign punishment 
on the head of his enemy. 

In spite of his agony the fellow held on with the 
tenacity of a bull-dog. 

“Let loose — do you hear — let go, or I shall have to 
kill you,” said the Federal. 

Colonel John had a pretty good idea that reinforce- 
ments were on the way to the spot, and he was fully 
determined to get away before they arrived. 

Whether the man understood or not, he did not 
obey the demand, and John was, much against his 
will, compelled to commence with the tattoo business 
again. 

Really, this was growing monotonous — too much 
of the same thing when he particularly desired a 
change in the programme. 

At any rate his bombardment must be producing a 
chaotic state in the fellow’s mind, and if continued a 
short time longer would result in his releasing his 
clutch, which even now was more a condition of 
habit than anything else. 

The first fellow had by this time recovered his 
senses to a certain degree. 


148 


“TEARS SHED FOR ME ?” 


At any rate he seemed to know what was the cause 
of the beautiful headache from which he was suffer- 
ing. 

The first thing Colonel John saw was this man, 
still squatted upon the ground, and covering him 
with a -gun. 

How was he to know it was the empty carbine of 
the first trooper? 

He thought his life was in danger, and giving a 
desperate wrench succeeded in getting away from the 
clutch that would have detained him. 

A quick dodge — the sound of a hammer falling 
upon an empty chamber, and John knew his chance 
had come at last. 

He did not wait to finish either of the two men 
whose interference had been the cause of so much 
trouble to him. 

Freedom was too valuable for him to fritter away 
one second of time in the endeavor to avenge his 
wrongs, and this freedom seemed so close to him that 
all he had to do was to put out his hand and grasp it. 

When he plunged into the forest he knew some of 
the other troopers were coming up, and in a very 
short time they must know all. 

What mattered it? 

The surrounding wood was familiar to this soldier 
of the Federal host^as a lad he had spent many a 
day in play in this section, so that almost every tree 
was known to him. 

He could with impunity defy them now. 

Of course he had not yet left all danger behind, 
since he was inside the Confederate lines and it would 
be well for him to keep constantly on the alert for 
signs of his foes. 

So he made his way along. 

Several times he.drew near camp-fires only to give 
them a wider berth, for around them he could see 


“TEARS SHED FOR ME ?” 


149 


many stalwart figures in the gray of the Confederate 
host. 

As he finally passed beyt)nd the enemy’s pickets 
and felt safe, his thoughts began to turn once more 
toward I/yndhurst. 

He wondered whether the old darky with his snail- 
moving mule could have arrived and delivered the 
note Major Worden had so kindly written concerning 
his fate. 

If so, how would she receive it? 

Colonel John wanted to be magnanimous, but he 
was deeply interested here, and he never in his life 
wished so much for anything as a chance to witness 
what occurred when that note was delivered. 

It would possibly settle some little matters in his 
mind, which were beginning to worry him. 

And thinking thus, he reached the gate that 
opened into the spacious grounds of Hyndhurst. 

Then the house loomed up. ' 

Tights could still be seen about the house, though 
the hour was close on to midnight. 

He wondered at this, for they retired early as a 
usual thing. 

Upon entering the house John felt a deep satisfac- 
tion over his escape. Somehow he seemed to associate 
it with Mollie — why not, when she was the prime 
cause of his adventure. 

He advanced to the library ; a voice fell upon his 
ears, a voice that was peculiar, and which he knew 
belonged to the odd genius of a darky who had 
driven the mule by means of which Worden con- 
ducted his prisoner of war to the shell-wrecked house. 

The special courier had arrived ahead of him. 

Colonel John halted just beyond the door. A 
mirror in the hall reflected the interior of the library, 
and he could see that Mollie was alone with Wor- 
den’s messenger, who was fumbling in the pockets of 
his ragged army coat. 


150 


“TEAES SHED FOE ME ?*’ 


“I done speck I lost ’im missy. De majah he skin 
dis darky-^libe if dat be true. I’d jest as soon be dat 
Yank wif de rope round his neck as dis ole coon. 
Dar’s on’y one last chance dat I put it in de linin’ ob 
my hat. Shore nough, de kentry am sabed agin,” 
and he triumphantly dragged forth the missive that 
had been intrusted to his care. 

“Is this for me?” she asked, receiving it. 

“He done said so, missy.” 

“Who gave it to you?” unfolding it. 

“De majah wid de curly mustache and de fierce 
eyes wat make a tremble come up from ole Pomp’s 
shoes. ’ ’ 

Her eyes were fixed upon the page. Colonel John 
moved a step nearer, and unobserved by either stood 
in the door-way, his gaze fastened upon the face of 
the Southern girl, his wife by the fortune of war. It 
was as though he expected to read his fate there. 

Over her usually composed features there shot a 
sudden look of alarm, of even horror, as she read 
Worden’s message. 

“Can it be possible they have done this terrible 
thing? Why, I saw him here only a few hours ago, 
alive and well. At eleven — it is now half past. And 
Worden has done this — he expects to win my esteem 
by such an act. Colonel John was an enemy to my 
country, but an honorable foe. To me he was a 
friend. Oh ! I cannot believe this — it is a dream. 
He cannot be dead — that would be too cruel. I have 
seen a cousin and a brother go to battle never to re- 
turn, and now the same fate overtakes this — friend.” 

She suddenly caught the darky’s arm. 

“Pomp, were you present when this terrible thing 
was done — answer me. ’ ’ 

“Deed an’ I wasn’t missy, but dey had de rope all 
ready, an’ de Yankee ossifer he smoke um cigar jest 
as cool as a cucumber,” returned the ebony messen- 
ger, showing his ivories. 


“tEAKS SHED FOR ME ?’ 


151 


She wrung her hands in distress. 

“It is too late then. He has before now suffered 
the extreme penalty of the court-martial. If I had 
only known of it in time I would have saved him, 
even as he did me from the burning house. Oh ! I 
shall never forget the clasp of his strong arm as he 
bore me out of the flames. I awoke then to a knowl- 
edge of the fact that I no longer hated him as 
formerly. ’ ’ 

Sweet words these to the. man who stood at the 
door and strained his hearing to catch what she said. 

He saw her press a small kerchief to her eyes — she 
was weeping for him. Ye gods! how it thrilled John 
Ridgeway — he had never before felt the influence of 
the divine spark, and as is natural, when a man 
reaches the age of thirty without having given any 
time to love matters, then the shock when it comes 
has an irresistible force. 

Then her frame seemed shaken with emotion, and 
the tears could be seen glistening in her eyes as she 
turned to the negro. 

“Do you really believe they — hung him. Pomp?” 
she asked, with a tremor in her voice. 

“I specks dey did, missy. Dar was a look on de 
ma jail’s face dat mean business. I done reckons him 
goose cooked shuah. ” 

“The contemptible wretch, to think the way to a 
woman’s heart is over the body of her husband — for 
he was such to me by law, even if I did say I hated 
him. Poor John ! I did not know — prejudice blinded 
me. As for Basil Worden, I shall never speak to 
him again. He has created an abyss between us that 
will live forever, and cannot be bridged. Oh ! John, 
why did you come to arouse these strange feelings in 
my heart. I thought I was devoted body and soul to 
the cause, but now I feel strange doubts arising. We 
are losing the game— perhaps his side is the right one 
after all.” 


152 


“TEAKS SHED FOK ME ?” 


She seemed to sadly muse, and the unseen witness 
was wondering how he could disclose his presence 
without giving her too great a shock, when suddenly 
she looked directly at him. 

He advanced. 

Her pallor gave way to a rosy blush — she even 
looked glad for a moment, though quickly allowing 
a shade of anger to sweep over her face. 

“So, you are alive after all — ^was this a trick on 
your part to unmask my feelings? It would be con- 
temptible if true,” she flashed. 

“What you say is quite just. As it happens I have 
just esaped from your friends, leaving them in the old 
house with some wounds to care for and an empty 
noose on their hands. Hence, you see I don’t merit 
your sarcasm. ’ ’ 

She looked into his face eagerly as if desirous of 
reading the truth. 

“Can it be possible — you would not deceive me?” 

“Why should I. See, my six-shooter is empty — 
upon my wrists notice the marks where the cord cut 
into my flesh, and here we have the burn that inevit- 
ably followed when I applied the fire of my cigar to 
my bonds at the last minute. To clinch the matter 
you have the major’s message.” 

“It is true. I am glad you escaped, John Ridge- 
way,” averting her eyes. 

“Is that all, Mollie?” advancing another step. 

“Why, what more can I say?” trembling. 

He picked up her kerchief. 

“This is moist — I saw you cry — tears shed for me! 
Ah, Mollie, I dare not say more — that oath prevents 
my making advances — they must come from you. I 
pray you let no false modesty stand in the way to 
wreck our lives. ” 

She suddenly held out her hand. 

“How can I help it, John Ridgeway. I hate you 


WAR IN THE MOUNTAIN PASSES. 


163 


no longer. We are friends — yes, you may even hope. 
Let me go now, please. Good-night, John.’’ 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

WAR IN THE MOUNTAIN PASSES. 

Though strongly tempted to take her in his arms 
John forbore, and it was just as well, for Mollie had 
not yet realized that she loved him, this man whom a 
strange fate had made her husband. 

He squeezed the little hatid, while his eyes elo- 
quently declared the burning language his dumb lips 
dared not speak, for there was no clause in that con- 
tract prohibiting the language of the soul. 

Then he dropped her hand. 

“Good-night — God bless you, my dear girl. I 
shall hope, yes, more, I will believe that when this 
cruel war is over, and the North and South are again 
united as of old, you will not deny me the privilege 
of calling you by that blessed name of — wife. I shall 
say no more — good-night.” 

She was gone, and Colonel John, left alone in the 
library, paced up and down for half an hour wrapped 
in thought, and judging from the smile upon his 
face, he must have had pleasant cogitations. 

Then he went out to give more positive orders to 
the men on guard, having an idea that the venomous 
Major Worden might make still another attempt to 
unhorse him. 

Morning came without further adventure, and with 
it a sudden order from headquarters calling for 
Colonel John’s presence. 

He was not even given a chance to see Mollie 
again, but looking back as he galloped down the 
avenue he saw a fluttering whit^ kerchief held in a 


154 


WAK IN THE MOUNTAIN PASSES. 


hand that protruded from the shutters of her room, 
and raised his cap in answer. 

Reaching Sherman’s quarters he received instruc- 
tions to get his command in readiness for immediate 
action. 

Already a relief detachment had gone forward to 
assume the guardianship of Lyndhurst, and John 
would thus have all that was left of his command. 

Upon leaving Atlanta their course was almost 
directly north-west, through the rugged defiles of the 
great chain of mountains that guards the border line 
between the three States, Georgia, Alabama, and 
Tennessee. 

Few knew whither they were going. 

Sherman kept his secret well. 

Among the officers, however, the facts were known. 

In his march from Chattanooga to Atlanta the 
Federal general had been compelled to fight almost 
every foot of the way. 

Their enemies lay in wait on many a hill-side, and 
it required both amazing shrewdness and wonderful 
bravery to outwit their schemes for overwhelming him 
with disaster. 

In spite of all, they had pushed on, as history has 
recorded, and won the day. 

Sherman even then had in his mind the great 
march to the sea which has since linked his name 
with that of Napoleon. 

To accomplish this, indeed, to remain even at 
Atlanta for months it was necessary that his line of 
communication with Chattanooga remain intact. 

Of course, once Atlanta fell, the Confederates saw 
the chance to reduce their victorious enemy, and for 
the time their energies were devoted to the task of 
cutting his line of communications. 

If this could be done Sherman would be in a seri- 
ous condition indeed. 


WAB IN THE MOUNTAIN PASSES. 


155 


There promised to be some lively times on the 
scenes of former desperate battles. 

Colonel John and his regiment had been ordered to 
join the column about to move back to the relief of 
the brave general who had been left among the 
mountains of Georgia to guard Altoona Pass, a point 
of immense value to Sherman in keeping up com- 
munications with his base of supplies at Chat- 
tanooga. 

Messages had been received from General Corse, 
messages that told of overwhelming foes against 
which he and his little command were holding out 
with a bravery born of desperation. 

So abrupt was their departure, owing to the need 
of haste, that Colonel John was not given a chance 
to have another interview with the girl whom the 
fortune of war had made his wife. 

He sent her a message, however, just as they were 
leaving the city. 

The march was one of haste. 

Should Altoona Pass be taken by the enemy, 
much of Sherman’s hard work must be done over 
again. 

That meant desperate fighting, climbing the 
granite-faced hills in the midst of a deadly fire, of 
awful hand to hand fights — all this and more if brave 
Corse had been compelled to surrender before Sher- 
man arrived to succor him. 

There were not many obstacles in the way. 

The Confederate chieftain had not dreamed that 
Sherman, after taking Atlanta would think of turn- 
ing back to go to the asssistance of his general. 

Indeed, the enemy had taken all possible precau- 
tions to keep Corse from sending a messenger to his 
commander. 

How this had been done the men of the signal 
corps could doubtless tell. 

At any rate Sherman knew his assistance was 


156 


WAR IN THE MOUNTAIN PASSES. 


needed, and indeed, he had figured on this before- 
hand, and would have sent reinforcements back even 
if news had not reached his ears. 

Again they traversed the trail marked by scenes of 
desperate valor on both sides — where men in gray 
met the furious onslaught of the legions in blue, and 
only gave way, slowly and sullenly, before the ad- 
vance of overwhelming numbers. 

How memory reviewed these scenes; they could 
point out the very spot where they were charging 
when a concealed battery opened upon them with its 
raking fire, plowing great furrows through their 
ranks ; but it was with a thrill of proud satisfaction 
they also remembered that even this hail -storm of shot 
and shell failed to quench their enthusiasm, and that 
pushing on with indomitable pluck, headed by 
Colonel John, they had carried the hill, seized the 
battery, and turned its guns upon their late owners. 

How the recollection of such glorious deeds aroused 
the martial ardor of the men who hurried over hill 
and vale to the relief of the general surrounded by 
Johnston’s army. 

And when in the far distance they caught the dull 
throbbing of heavy guns, like the pulsations of 
nature’s heart, how eagerly they pressed on, like 
hounds held in the leash. 

Weariness was forgotten. 

The danger and difficulties that confronted them 
looked^ Lilliputian now. 

Forward ! 

Their comrades were sorely beset and in need of 
assistance. 

Not anticipating the coming of the relief column, 
the Confederates were hardly in a position to lay a 
trap for it. 

They had been sorely tried in the game at this 
point — again and again had they buffeted the billows, 
hurling themselves against the barriers that Corse 


WAE IN THE MOUNTAIN PASSES. 


157 


had raised, but up to this time their desperate assaults 
had been defeated, although each engagement so de- 
pleted the strength and resources of the Federals that 
it was out of reason to suppose they could hold out 
much longer. 

Thus, when the enemy after enduring such hard- 
ships and heavy losses, began to see the fruition of 
their hopes near by, it was hard indeed to learn that 
the column from Atlanta had pierced the mountains 
and was near at hand. 

This news caused another assault to be made. 

It was more desperate than any of those that had 
preceded it. 

The Confederates knew their all was staked upon 
this last throw. 

If they could carry the fort they might meet Sher- 
man’s column and defy it. 

Those who defended the place did not at first 
understand what it meant. 

They fought like brave men, but without much 
hope, since the passage of time had begun to make 
them despair. 

But even while they fought with the desperation of 
despair they saw distant signals against the sky. 

What did they mean ? 

Was help near, or did this signify some new rein- 
forcements for the enemy, already outnumbering 
them many to one. 

And while they read who can paint the sudden 
transition from despair to delirious joy. 

This then was the beacon of the skies that sent the 
hot blood bounding through their veins and gave them 
new courage to fight on : 

“Hold the fort — I am coming — Sherman!” 

And when the news was spread among the com- 
paratively few who were left of that gallant band to 
whom history has never done full justice, their shouts 
of joy carried despair to the hearts of the foemen 


158 


WAR IN THE MOUNTAIN PASSES. 


who had so long endeavored to carry the fort by re- 
peated assaults, for they knew the day was lost. 

Inspired with the promise of immediate relief, the 
Federal defenders of Altoona Pass would not yield 
under any conditions. 

A grave danger now menaced the Confederate host 
— that of being caught between two fires, the upper 
and the nether millstone. 

It required considerable military skill to with- 
draw the Confederate host from the scene of battle 
without a general engagement. 

The eager columns of Sherman pressed on, hot for 
battle, and ready to coop their enemies up in some 
pass where retreat would be entirely out of the ques- 
tion. 

Knowing the wild country full well, the leader of 
the Southern army was not to be caught so easily, 
and had prepared means of giving his enemies the 
slip. 

All that remained now was to give Sherman as 
much trouble as possible with regard to attacks upon 
his supply trains. 

While the Confederates were withdrawing from 
the region, there were of course numerous small en- 
gagements. 

In many instances detachments of rival cavalry 
would come into close quarters. 

Battle was seldom if ever refused, for on both sides 
they were fierce fighters, and their blood ran riotously 
at sight of each other. 

Colonel John and his command saw much of this 
warfare. 

Their business was to defend the railroad at a 
certain point. 

There were times when all seemed quiet along the 
line, and trains ran without any trouble, bringing 
immense amounts of supplies to Sherman at Atlanta. 

Then the enemy would become exceedingly active, 


WAK IN THE MOUNTAIN PASSES. 159 

and Colonel Ridgeway and his command would have 
their hands full endeavoring to ward off the blows. 

There was much hard riding in those days. 

It could not be otherwise, when men were sent 
whirling down the valley at a minute’s notice, to 
meet a column of Confederates deliberately engaged 
in tearing up the railroad. 

Then would come a hot little engagement, and 
finally the flight of the foe, after having done all the 
damage that was possible. 

Following the battle the troopers became track 
layers, and the damage was repaired as best could 
be done under the circumstances. 

No one sighed now for more excitement. 

They had all they wished. 

Indeed, every day brought new scenes, and they 
had to hold themselves in readiness to meet emergen- 
cies as fast: as they arose. 

It was quite an enigma to decide in the morning 
where they would find themselves when the sun sank 
behind the mountains. 

In the midst of such danger Colonel John bore 
himself, as might have been expected, with his cus- 
tomary bravery. 

His men idolized him. 

He was so kind and gentle to the sick or wounded, 
and yet so stern and brave in face of danger, they 
could not help loving him.. 

No man believed he would send his men where he 
dared not go himself. 

That was the secret of their adoration. 

To such a leader nothing is impossible, as his men 
will follow though the fires and gates of Hades itself 
prevail against them. 

So the colonel roamed up and down the valleys, 
scattering the bands of Confederates that endeavored to 
disturb the connecting link between Sherman at 
Atlanta and his base of supplies. 


160 


WAK IN THE MOUNTAIN PASSES. 


So well did he do his work that these supplies 
came through very regularly and Sherman was daily 
adding to the immense amount of stores that would 
be necessary before he could cut loose and march 
through Georgia to the sea. 

Great events were about to transpire. 

The man must be obtuse indeed who could not by 
this time read the handwriting on the wall. 

With Grant hammering at the door of Richmond 
after outmaneuvring Lee and causing him great 
losses in the summer campaign from the battles ,f 
the Wilderness to Cold Harbor — with Sherman ’n 
Atlanta, gathering an army that would sweep like a 
besom of destruction through the fertile regions of 
Georgia and the Carolinas, leaving ruins in its wake — ■ 
with the resources that had hitherto upheld them, 
dwindling lower and lower, while their credit was 
utterly a thing of the past, it was evident to every 
thinking man that the Confederate cause was lost, 
even before the last decisive campaign had been fully 
started. 

Colonel John was doing his duty. 

He received much praise from his commander, 
who knew he could depend upon him, no matter what 
the emergency might be. 

In all probability, if he cared for advancement, 
and lived a few months longer Colonel John would 
bear the insignia of a general. 

He deserved it. 

His heart was wholly wrapped up in the cause and 
he was ready to undergo any privation, to undertake 
any dangerous mission if by so doing he could serve 
his country, and hasten the happy day when the 
sword would be beaten into the pruning hook, and 
peace descend once more on his beloved but distracted 
country. 

Often his thoughts went out toward Mollie. 


WAK IN THE MOUNTAIN PASSES. 


161 


He sent her a few lines occasionally and heard from 
her in return. 

That she was well, sufficed. 

There were no terms of endearment between them. 

It had not come to that. 

Still, as he sat in his tent of an evening, or about 
the bivouac fire, the soldier many times thought of 
her, and the fact that she belonged to him — that 
she was his wife, gave the colonel the most intense 
satisfaction. 

He saw nothing more of Major Worden, though 
puce in battle he believed he had a glimpse of a figure 
that made him think of his enemy. 

This man was the only one who gave him cause 
for anxiety. 

Knowing that Worden still entertained a passion 
for Mollie, he had vague fears lest in some way the 
Confederate major, sinking all his gentlemanly 
traits, might endeavor to get possession of the 
planter’s daughter, even before he had carried out 
his threat to make her a colonel’s widow. 

Thus he had certain vague fears which the receipt 
of each commufiication from Mollie served to allay 
for the time being. 

He waited impatiently for the time to come when 
Sherman would begin tearing up and destroying the 
railroad, thus cutting adrift from the North, and 
henceforth depending on what stores he had and 
what his army could secure en route, 

Alas ! for the poor Southland. 

It was in the throes. 

Never did a rich country suffer more from the 
horrors of invasion. 

Knowing that Sherman expected to depend in some 
measure upon foraging, it would be the stern duty of 
the Confederate Army to destroy everything possible 
that might be of value to him. 

With this going on in front and Sherman leaving. 


m WAB IN THE MOtJNTAIN PASSES. 

devastation in his rear, what an awful trail the march 
across fair Georgia must become. 

Sherman outwitted his foes, however. 

Where they believed he would appear, he came 
not, but swung around more to the south until it 
was even believed he meant to release the army of 
almost thirty thousand prisoners confined in the south 
Georgia stockade at Andersonville. 

Those who had them in charge swore that if the 
Federal cavalry appeared within ten miles of the 
stockade they would turn the guns on the huddled 
mass of wretched prisoners and massacre them. 

Fortunately Sherman did not make a move in this 
direction. 

His cavalry swept for fifty miles across the country 
and everything that fell in their way was legitimate 
game. 

They left smoking ruins of public works, and 
fields stripped of every animal — not a horse nor a 
COW, a pig, nor a chicken escaped them. 

A few marches like Sherman’s would ruin the 
richest country on earth. 

Military necessity often compels severe measures, 
such as the cruel devastation of the Shenandoah 
Valley, which had served Confederate armies too 
often on their northern raids toward Washington. 

In war drastic treatment must be resorted to, since 
heroic measures are often necessary in order to save 
the patient’s life. 

The surgeon removes a limb, but saves his case, 
whereas a little delay must have brought about 
mortification and death. 

Those who suffered the most during this great 
military march were bound to admit that it was a 
necessity on the part of the enemy, and a brilliant 
policy destined to bring the disastrous civil war to a 
speedy termination. 


BETWEEN LIEE AND DEATH. 


m 


CHAPTER XXV. 

BETWEEN DIKE AND DEATH. 

It was a glorious morning when Colonel John re- 
ceived orders from headquarters that the last train 
laden with stores had safely reached Atlanta, and 
giving him explicit orders to destroy the road utterly 
as he hastened to join Sherman by a certain time. 

His men caught the enthusiasm of the hour. 

They had fought desperately to defend the road so 
long as it was useful to Sherman, and now that he 
desired to prevent its being used by the enemy at any 
future time they would be just as ready to destroy. 

The order went forth. 

Fires began to arise. 

Every building connected with the station wsfe in 
flames. 

Men tore up the tracks and twisted the rails. 

The reign of destruction had begun, that was not 
to end until their eyes rested on the blue sea. 

The tables had been turned. 

It was for the Confederates to endeavor to defend 
the road, but they were not present in numbers to do 
this with much hope of success. 

While he thus burned and destroyed, the cavalry 
colonel made his way south-east, intending to join 
Sherman at Atlanta. 

There were foes between, however, foes that had 
gathered from time to time until they made a formid- 
able aggregate. 

When the true state of affairs became known to 
these men, their leaders set a trap in the hope that 
Colonel John and his command would fall into it. 


164 


BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. 


They counted without their host, for the Federal 
colonel anticipated some such movement, and was 
constantly on the watch. 

The city was within a day^s ride, and Colonel John 
already anticipated a short period of happiness at 
seeing Mollie ere the army started on its long eastern 
march. 

Fittle was to be done in this quarter, for the road 
had already been destroyed by parties from Atlanta 
pushing out a certain distance. 

In the city itself all was activity ; cotton and stores 
that could not be taken along were being daily 
burned ; buildings of a public character were blown 
up, all railroad property destroyed, and save for the 
private houses of the citizens, the once fair Gate City 
of the South^had become a heap of ruins. 

It was in the morning that Colonel John and his 
command came upon the foe. 

Seeing that the Confederates were in force, the 
Federal leader ordered a charge, and away the 
ca\^lrymen went, pell-mell. 

At once the greatest confusion ensued. 

Unable to force a way through, and with no good 
opportunity for a flank movement, the Federals were 
hurled back. 

As a last resource they occupied some old en- 
trenchments long since deserted, and dismounting 
awaited the coming of the foe. 

Ridgeway knew the sounds of battle would reach 
Sherman in Atlanta, and that sooner or later if he 
could only hold his own a column would be sent to 
his relief. 

Crouching behind the breastworks they awaited the 
assault of the foe. 

It was indeed a sight to look upon the superb dis- 
dain with which these veteran fighters awaited the 
coming of their enemies. 

Some were sitting close together laughing and 


165 


BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. 

joking in a quiet way — others had crawled to more 
exposed positions where they might have a chance to 
pick a sharpshooter off, and sprawled there they had 
the appearance of human pancakes. 

The Confederates did not seem in any great haste 
to make the assault. 

Perhaps they were waiting to concentrate their 
forces. 

Colonel John feared there might be some way 
known to them, a secret path by means of which 
they might get around his little fort and spring a 
surprise upon their rear. 

He endeavored to prevent this to the best of his 
ability. 

It was after noon when word was finally passed 
along the lines that the enemy had begun to make a 
general advance. 

Up to this time there had been a few spasmodic 
movements on the part of detached bodies, designed 
no doubt, simply to aggravate the Federals and keep 
their attention from another quarter. 

Colonel Ridgeway knew what was coming now, 
and encouraged his brave fellows to render a good 
account of themselves. 

There was little need of this, since they had 
always fought well. 

They knew what it meant to give the enemy a 
chance to surround them. 

Andersonville stockade and its horrors had been 
thoroughly ventilated in army circles, and the bare 
possibility of bringing up there was enough to make 
a coward fight desperately. 

On came the enemy. 

Complete silence reigned. 

This was so different from the usual clamorous ad- 
vance of the Confederates that those who grimly 
awaited their coming hardly knew how to account' 
for the change. 


166 BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. 

Surely they must be in a desperate state when the 
usual yell was omitted. 

The silence was at length broken by the discharge 
of a gun far upon the right. 

It was the signal. 

Along the line of entrenchments ran a zig-zag fire 
and the rattle of guns was almost continuous. 

While the first rank fell back to reload, the second 
pushed forward and took their places. 

Then again there came that scorching fire, like a 
breath from the infernal regions, spreading along 
from left to right as though some invisible hand had 
applied a match to a train of gunpowder. 

The enemy had suffered severely under this opera- 
tion, and might have been pardoned had they fallen 
back. 

But they proved their valor by steadily pushing 
forward, as resistlessly as fate. 

Again a storm of bullets. 

They were now close up to the breastworks and 
dashing forward eagerly, like hounds free from the 
leash. 

Evidently the affair was to be decided hand to 
hand, and no one could foretell the result. 

Every moment Colonel John had hopes of hearing 
the encouraging cries that would proclaim the coming 
of reinforcements from Sherman, but unless they 
come very soon it would be two late, since his hand- 
ful of men could not long hold their own against 
such overwhelming odds. 

Now the fierce onset had carried the foremost of 
the enemy up to the breastworks. 

Here they met the boys in blue and many a des- 
perate sanguinary hand-to-hand encounter set in. 

At such a time individual cases of bravery are 
lost sight of in the general round up — men fight 
desDerately here, there and everywhere, and the eye 
could never take in all that occurs w-ithin its radius. 


BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. 


167 


Colonel John realized how desperate his situation 
was, and launched the last bolt he had. 

The balance of his men, mounted, came thunder- 
ing down upon the enemy’s flank. 

It was Sheridan’s old trick which served him so 
often and so well in his encounters with Early in the 
Shenandoah Valley. 

In this case the enemy was staggered, but as the 
force thus impelled against his flank was small in 
numbers the surprise lost much of its first vigor, for 
they recovered from their first thrill of alarm under 
the belief that it was the expected column from 
Atlanta that had arrived on the scene. 

Then the affair waged more hotly than ever. 

This was only one of numerous small battles which 
history has recorded merely in the aggregate as a 
series of engagements around Atlanta, in which many 
men were lost on both sides, and little save glory 
won. 

Fortune favored the Federals in this case, for 
when everything looked the blackest the column from 
Sherman came upon the scene. 

Then the tables were turned. 

It was the Confederates now who sought safety in 
flight, leaving many of their heroic dead and wounded 
in and around the breastworks, for the possession 
of which they had fought so long. 

Colonel John was down. 

In the last stirring encounter he had fallen, while 
leading his men into the thick of the fight. 

When they came to pick him up it was at first 
feared he was dead. 

Closer examination revealed the fact that the 
colonel was still alive. 

They carried him to the city. 

Here in the hospital he was taken in charge by 
experienced surgeons, and when all had been done 
that was possible they pronounced their verdict. 


168 


BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. 


Colonel John had a fighting chance for his life. 

That was all. 

To move him at that stage would be madness, 
since it must result in his death. 

This meant that whether the colonel got well or 
not depended wholly upon the enemy, since he must 
be left to their tender mercies. 

Sherman was ready to move. 

He was to leave Atlanta behind, more than half 
ruined, since all public property had been given to 
the torch or otherwise destroyed. 

Of course Mollie knew nothing of the dangerous 
state in which John found himself, for no one had 
considered it worth while to tell either the old 
planter or his daughter. 

Thus there came a day when the Federal forces 
rode or marched out of the city and headed in an 
easterly direction. 

Many prophesied terrible evil as sure to follow such 
a bold move. 

They knew not Sherman, that remarkable com- 
mander whose knowledge of military maneuvres and 
the most speedy way of ending the war was second 
to no living man. 

He never had a doubt concerning the ultimate 
success of his work. 

The tottering lost cause could not gather an army 
able to stand before his legions, and in consequence 
he had really nothing to fear. 

Those who knew and loved Colonel John had gone 
to the hospital to bid him adieu. 

Few of them ever expected to see him again, for in 
his condition he had few chances, and these were 
rendered the more desperate because he was about to 
fall into the hands of the enemy. 

He was in a deep sleep at the time and the 
surgeon would not arouse him, for the crisis in his 


BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. 


169 


condition had just passed, and any exitement might 
prove fatal. 

It was a sad day for his men when they rode out of 
Atlanta under another leader, for they loved Colonel 
John. He must take his chances — in war times no 
single man’s life can be considered when a great 
movement is afoot. 

If the confederates reoccupied Atlanta those in the 
hospital would be treated as prisoners of war. At any 
rate there was a feeling that the end was near, with 
Grant hammering at Petersburg and Richmond, and 
Sherman’s army in Georgia. 

The legions in blue marched away, and the sound 
of their drnms and fifes had hardly died out before 
the streets swarmed with the veterans of Johnston, 
Hood being up in Tennessee, eager to see those they 
loved, to discover what damage had been done during 
the occupation. 

In many respects they were surprised and pleased. 

Sherman’s rule seemed to be in the line of destroy- 
ing railroads and all public stores that would tend to 
support the Southern army, but he respected private 
property, and the women of Atlanta were as a general 
thing safe from all insult while the Gate City lay 
helpless in the hands of the invaders. 

History has seldom chronicled a similar case. To 
the victor belongs the spoils, and an army meeting 
with success after rudely battling for supremacy is 
apt to go to extremes and loot the captured city. 
Strict discipline alone prevented this in Atlanta. 
All public buildings and stores had been given to the 
torch, but churches and private dwellings were left 
unharmed. 

So Colonel John became a prisoner again. 

When he regained his consciousness, his case had 
improved somewhat. 

With careful nursing he might live in spite of 
the severe shock his system had received. 


170 


BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. 


He was amazed to learn that Sherman had gone, 
and the city again in the hands of the Confederate 
forces. 

Piecemeal he put the various portions of the case 
together, and finally understood the situation. 

When a man is firmly desirious of getting well, 
and brings his will into the case he has a much 
better chance than the one who has weakened and 
entirely given up hope. 

Of course the wounded soldier thought of Mollie. 

Was she in the city. 

Had she heard of his being near death and yet 
failed to come and see him ? 

Even the thought gave him much pain. 

He resolutely put it aside and would not allow 
himself to believe such a thing. 

She was human even if she did hate the flag under 
which he served — yes, he had good reason to believe 
she was beginning to care for him, for he could not 
forget the tears that were shed for him when she be- 
lieved he had been executed as a spy by her Con- 
federate admirer, Major Worden. 

Thus he buoyed his heart up with fresh hope. 

Days slipped by. 

Mollie came not. 

He began to have other fears. 

Something might have happened to her since the 
Federal Army moved away. 

This worry was not the best thing in the world for 
his state of health, and consequently Colonel John’s 
recovery received a set-back. 

He even grew worse. 

It remained so upon his mind that he began to be- 
lieve it was his duty to send word to Mollie. 

As a friend, seeing that she denied him the sweet 
privilege of claiming her as his wife, she might 
come and see him. 


BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. 


171 


God knew he needed her assistance while his life 
hung thus in the balance. 

But how should he let her know. 

That was what bothered him. 

Those' around him cared little whether he lived or 
died, and treated him coldly — true, they would not 
purposely allow him to die, but a man in his condi- 
tion needs very careful nursing in order to hang on 
to life. 

His pride kept him from .sending direct, and yet 
the end was obtained in a roundabout manner, as if by 
the hand of Fate. 

A Confederate officer walking through the sick- 
room stopped at John’s cot, and looking up the 
wounded Federal beheld his cousin. 

Crockett Ridgeway no longer scowled as his eyes 
fell upon the face of the man toward whom he had 
entertained such a hostile feeling. 

“Come, I had no idea you were here, cousin. I’m 
sorry to see it, and at the same time glad of a chance 
to ask your pardon for the share I had in that ugly 
business. 

John looked surprised — the other laughed in a 
hearty way. 

“You think the heavens will fall next, since I’ve 
turned saint. Well, the truth of the matter is I’ve 
learned recently that you acted very generously 
toward my poor old mother up in Fouisville a year or 
so ago. Never knew of it before, on my honor. It 
made me ashamed of myself, and I swore to turn over 
a new leaf. Fet me squeeze your well hand, cousin. 
Tell me, is there anything I can do for you?” 

Of course John, believing his chances of surviving 
his wound were good, was not averse to having a 
friend at court, and he did not scorn the friendship 
of this cousin, who promised to do what he could for 
him, 


172 


BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. 


‘‘Where is the major?” asked John, whose only 
source of uneasiness lay in this quarter. 

“You mean Worden — I helped give him a soldier’s 
burial. He was in that mad, dare-devil assault which 
came so near demoralizing the Federal line. In his 
glorious death he wiped out any follies of which he 
may have been guilty while living. Peace to his 
ashes. ” 

“Amen!” said John, relieved to know this fireband 
was removed from his path, and yet ready to recog- 
nize the bravery of the hot-blooded Southern warrior 
— his mad devotion toward Mollie had swerved him 
from the path of an honorable gentleman, but John 
could forgive now. 

Now that he was rid of this anxiety Colonel John 
had only to do his best to get well. 

The Confederates were lenient, for they could not 
but feel thankful for the consideration shown toward 
their helpless families when Atlanta was turned over 
to Sherman. 

Most of the men were hurrying after the army in 
blue, for the hope had grown that Napoleon’s dis- 
astrous retreat from Moscow might be repeated in the 
heart of Georgia. 

There was a dearth of nurses in the hospital. 

Southern girls had enough to do to take care of 
their own wounded. 

Besides, as a general rule, they were more bitter 
toward the wearers of the blue than the Confederate 
warriors themselves. 

Thus it happened that those of the Federal sick 
who were in a precarious position, hovering between 
life and death as it were, found themselves in a 
measure neglected. 

Colonel John took a downward course — fever set 
in, and the old surgeon in making his rounds shook 
his head and said : 


A GENTLE NURSE. 


173 

“We’ll have a vacancy here soon. The colonel’s 
crisis is approaching, and he has little show to live.” 


CHAPTER XXVL 

A GENTLE NURSE. 

Even surgeons may at times be mistaken, for they 
cannot foresee outside events that are sure to have a 
bearing on the case. 

For instance, this grizzled army veteran could not 
know that in less than ten minutes after he gave his 
doleful verdict a young woman should enter the old 
church used as a hospital and inquire for Colonel 
John, declaring it her intention to nurse him. " 

Crockett Ridgeway had carried the news. 

It was no Northern nurse, but a lady well known 
in Atlanta. 

So the Federal colonel, battling with fate,- threw off 
the fever and came into his right mind again. 

The sounds of life seemed like a far off murmur. 

He heard people talking, and soon realized the fact 
of his being in an hospital. 

- Then a cool hand pressed his brow, and he looked 
up into the face of Mollie. 

She smiled and put a finger on his lips, signifying 
silence, and he forebore to question — indeed, it was 
problematical whether he could have spoken above a 
whisper at any rate. 

After that his recovery was slow but sure. 

He seemed content to lie there and keep his eyes 
fastened upon the face of his gentle nurse. 

That she had come to him through love and not a 
sense of duty he knew deep down in his heart, and it 
was this that made him daily grow in strength. 

At length the time came when he determined to 
speak. 


174 




Mollie had nursed him faithfully, and he could no 
longer let that ridiculous bond stand between them. 
Besides, her action in coming to him had done away 
with its provisions. 

He would know his fate on the morrow. So 
Colonel John decided one night after she had made 
him comfortable and left him. 

That was a terribly long night to him. 

At length daylight arrived, and the hour when 
Mollie usually put in an appearance; but she came 
not. 

Anxiously he counted the minutes. 

The day wore on without her coming. Was she 
sick, or had she divined his intention, and in this 
way expressed her desire to avoid an explanation. 

He wrestled between pride and fear. 

Other days passed, but she came not. 

He even wrote her a line beseeching her to visit 
him once more ; but no answer came. 

There was a change — the inmates of the hospitals 
who were fit to leave were transferred to prison, 
where their prospects grew darker. 

The winter wore away and spring came. 

John learned that his comrades had reached Savan- 
nah and were heading in a northerly direction, while 
Grant’s chances of capturing the Confederate capital 
and ending the war were considered good. 

Dreary days passed. 

John’s greatest distress was of the mind, for he 
could not learn what had become of Mollie, and his 
fancy sometimes pictured her in sickness. 

He met with daring spirits and an escape was 
planned. In the light of subsequent events it would 
doubtless have been wiser for them to have remained 
where they were, since the day of liberation was not 
far away, but hot heads carried the day, and the 
escape was made. 

The pursuit was not very hot, for just at this time 


A GENTLE NURSE. 


provisions had grown scarce, and with corning events 
easting their shadows before, the people of Georgia 
were not in a condition to spend much energy recap- 
turing those who would only be a burden on their 
hands. 

Still, there were many individuals whose hatred for 
everything pertaining to the North was as intense as 
ever, and who would esteem it a privilege to fire one 
more fatal shot for the cause before admitting; 
defeat. . .r"" 

The three escaped prisoners heading for the Union 
lines experienced much the same ups and downs that 
fell to others under similar conditions. 

They found friends among the darkies, and re- 
ceived much assistance from that source ; but an un- 
fortunate event brought them into trouble. 

Entering a house to partake of food, the sight of a 
table ready for dinner spurring the hungry men on, 
they were discovered, the alarm given, and presently 
the whole country seemed alive with men searching 
for them. 

Each hour their case became more desperate. 

Dogs were put upon their trail, but a running 
stream threw the animals off the scent. 

One day they were hidden by a negro in a hay loft, 
and when the shades of night fell they sough : the 
railroad, a daring plan having entered their heads. 

At a siding they found a train of freight cars wcr’: ^ 
ing the order to go ahead. 

Transportation was almost dead in the South at 
this time — there was little to carry and poor facilities 
for handling it. 

Suddenly leaping upon the engine. Colonel John 
and a companion took possession of it. 

The third man detached the locomotive from the 
rest of the train, and then ran ahead to turn the 
switch. 

In another minute they were upon the mam track 


176 


A GENTLE NURSE. 


and gathering headway, while a r. umber of men 
shouted all manner of threats in their rear. 

Although one of John’s companions was the engi- 
neer, and ran the old-fashioned machine, the colonel 
managed the job, and at his order, when they had 
gone a couple of miles, a halt was called. 

Up a telegraph pole went the third man with a 
tool from the box on the engine, his mission being to 
destroy the wires and thus prevent communication 
with the North. 

Again they rushed on. 

There was a wild exhilaration in the ride-nr-a 
novel uncertainty concerning what was coming next, 
for should a switch be turned, or any obstruction be 
met, a terrible catastrophe must follow. 

All the while they were putting miles between 
themselves and the scene of the capture ; with each 
passing minute they drew nearer the Federal lines. 

-iround curves and past hamlets where lights 
gleamed from cabin windows, the runaway en^ ine 
sped, rocking wildly under its impetus. ^ 

Bold men in the start, they had now grown reck- 
less of consequences. It was in the air — it thrilled 
their nerves, just as men usually get the battle fever 
and are ready to lead a forlorn hope into the jaws of 
death. 

Just when they were congratulating themselves on 
the progress made, in rounding a cuve and dashing 
into a cut their ears were saluted by a shrill whistle, 
while at the same time they saw the flash of a head- 
light down the track. 

A collision was inevitable, for on a single track 
two engines have never yet succeeded in passing, and 
approaching at full speed was the south-bound train. 


GENTLE, WHITE-WINGED PEACE. 


177 


CHAPTER XXVII. 
gentle, white-winged peace. 

The engineer put his hand to the whistle valve and 
let out a shriek of warning, while at the same time 
he closed the throttle, reversed the lever, and made 
every possible effort to stop. 

“Jump, boys!” he called, as the flash from the 
head-light beyond showed that a collision was bound 
to occur. 

They went out of the cab in a hurry. 

Ten seconds later there was a great crash, and the 
wreck had occurred. 

Only two of the Federals emerged from the cut, 
the third having been stunned by his fall. 

These two were Colonel John and the engineer. 

"^Knowing the locality was unhealthy for men of 
their calling, they made haste to leave it, always 
heading toward the North. 

Passage over the mountains was difficult, and they 
aimed to again strike the railroad some distance be- 
yond the wreck. 

About midnight they succeeded in doing this, but 
every little while had to hide as the news had been 
sent along^the wires. 

Several times they had narrow escapes, and as the 
night drew near an end it was determined to hide. 

Hungry and foot-sore the fugitives crept into a hay- 
stack, but even here their rest was disturbed, for a 
posse of soldiers arrived with a wagon and began to 
load the hay upon it for transportation. 

In the gray of early morn our two adventurers 
crept from the farther end, keeping close to a rail 
fence, and thus escaped what had threatened to be 
immediate capture. 


178 GENTLE, WHlTE-WlNGED PEACE. 

Unable to reach the woods, because of the presence 
of more soldiers in that quarter, as a last desperate 
resort they entered the house by means of an open 
cellar window. 

After all, this turned out a good move, for they 
discovered the larder of the planter’s home, and with 
the charming assurance for which escaping Yankees 
were noted, proceeded to help themselves. 

In the midst of their lepast who should walk in 
upon them but an old aunty, who happily was so 
utterly paralyzed at sight of the intruders and the in- 
road they had made upon her supplies, intended for 
the Confederate officers, that she was unable to make 
a sound for a full minute, and by the end of that 
time they had explained who they were. 

“lyaws, Kurnel John, don’t youse knows old Aunty 
Chloe? I done thought youse dead an’ gone afore 
now,” was the exclamation that almost took the 
colonel’s breath away. 

He led the grinning negress closer to the window, 
and recognized one who had catered to his wants 
while at Uyndhurst. 

The discovery thrilled him. 

“Tell me is Miss Mollie alive and well?” he asked. 

“She am dat,” was the prompt reply. 

“Where is she?” 

“Not berry far away, I reckons.” 

“In this house?” 

“Yep, marse kurnel.” 

He was amazed at the hand of fate that had 
directed him here, and delighted it may be set down 
as positive, though the mystery of her sudden dis- 
appearance from the hospital caused him some un- 
easiness. 

“I must see her. Aunty, can you keep our 
secret ?’ ’ 

“Don’t know ’bout dat ar — dey may call for de 
wittles you uns got away wif. I kin try mighty hard. 


GENTLE, WHITE-WINGED PEACE. 179 

Dar am some thievin’ coons round dis ar place. An’t 
like Atlanta, I’m tellin’ youse. ” 

“Why isrshe here? When did you come? Has she 
been sick ?’ ’ 

“Gory, ask ’em slow like. We have been hyar 
quite a spell. Miss Mollie she sick when we arrive, 
but better now. Speck she work too hard in dem 
horsepitals, pore chile. Dar siimpin on her mind, I 
reckon, too.” 

“Tell her I am here — that I must see her.” 

“Well, honey, dat kin be arranged. You wait, an’ 
don’ youse get away wid any more ob de provisions 
or dar may come trubble.” 

Then she was gone. 

Time passed. 

The engineer, worn out, slept, but John kept vigil 
alone. He anticipated coming happiness, and each 
minute seemed interminable. 

At last Aunt Chloe came down the cellar stairs, 
her ebony face beaming, a strange messenger of 
Cupid, a mockery of Mercury. 

“She say come. ” 

“What kept you so long? Hours have passed.” 

“Gorry, de sojers dey stay, and missy afeared you 
be seen. She mighty keerful ’bout one of Marse 
Dinkun’s boys now. Time was w’en she despise de 
hull lot, bag an’ baggage,” which last muttered re- 
mark was music in his ear, of course. 

John did not present a very elegant appearance — 
indeed, he was much like a tramp, but had made 
himself as presentable as possible with the limited ac- 
commodations. Chloe led him to a room and left him 
to finish his toilet. 

In ten minutes John came out, feeling fresh, and 
eager to discover the girl whose fate had so strangely 
been linked with his. 

He stood in the door-way looking at her. She was 
white and thin, but had never looked so lovely in his 


180 GENTLE, WHITE-WINGED PEACE. 

eyes. Their glances met — she smiled and held out 
her hand. 

In a moment he was at her side, on one knee, and 
had seized that hand, borne it to his bearded lips and 
kissed it passionately, nor did Mollie offer the slight- 
est objection. 

‘‘You have been ill, my darling — I feared it when 
you failed to come back. Then in the hands of the 
enemy I was sent to a prison, made my escape, and 
the same strange fate that had linked our lives 
directed me here. But you are in mourning — who is 
dead — your father?’’ 

“No, no. I fell in a faint — they brought me here, 
and for weeks I lay hovering between life and death. 
When I grew stronger they told me you had died. I 
even saw the item in the paper,” she replied, with a 
slight blush that caused John to grow even bolder — 
only one of his hands held hers now, the other having 
stolen around her waist. 

“You mourned — for me! Oh! Mollie, my wife 
through the fortune of war, why should we longer 
resist this decree of fate? Heaven intended us for 
each other. I have learned to love you dearly — will 
you deny that I am of more importance in your eyes 
than other men ?” 

“It would be folly, John !” closing her eyes. And 
this time he was not content to press a kiss upon 
her hand with those ruby lips so near. 

“It is strange that we should meet again on this 
day, of all others. You have not heard the news, 
John. It was inevitable and although it almost 
breaks my heart when I think of my suffering 
country, I am glad it is over.” 

“Richmond has fallen, then?” he asked, quickly: 

“Yes. The news was brought by my father, who 
has gone to his room prostrated.” 

“Thank God that this terrible war will soon be 



GENTLE, WHITE-WINGED PEACE. 181 

over — that brothers North and South can again clasp 
hands and allow the wounds to heal.” 

‘‘Amen!” she sobbed, from the shelter of his 
arms, for John had taken the full liberty of a husband 
to embrace the dainty little woman given into his 
keeping by fortune’s favor. 

John went no farther in search of the Federal 
lines. Squire Granger was stricken down as a result 
of worry, and for a time lay Jielpless. In this emer- 
gency John proved a God-send, and won the old man’s 
heart, even as he had already captured his daughter’s. 

In their long chats Mollie and her husband had a 
full understanding. He produced the papers taken 
from the burning house, and which he had carried 
on his person all through his adventures. 

These documents, so' precious to him, related to his 
inheritance. Besides, there were certain facts con- 
cerning his leaving home under a cloud, and with 
these papers he was able to clear his name in full. 
No wonder, then, he risked his life in order to save 
them. As for his cousin, should the papers have been 
destroyed, there was a chance of his gaining the 
property, which accounted for his interest. 

Then came the news of Tee’s surrender, and last of 
all Johnston yielded up his army to Sherman. 

The war was over. 

All the sorely stricken South breathed easy — they 
had fought long and bravely for their cause, and 
yielded only when further warfare would have been 
madness — inhuman. 

John was at the head of his regiment as it marched 
through Washington ; but he laid down his sword 
and returned to Geogia, to identify himself as a law- 
yer with his native city, Atlanta. The war brought 
misery to many, but to Colonel John it gave a loving 
wife, and to-day the Gate City honors him as one of 
her leading sons. 

[the knd.] 


THE ROYAL BLUE LINE 


between New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, 
Washington, the South, and South-west is con- 
ceded to be the BEST CONSTRUCTED and 
MOST FINELY EQUIPPED RAILROAD in 
the country. 

THE OLD RELIABLE ROUTE 

to all points in Interior Pennsylvania — Reading, 
Harrisburg, Gettysburg, Pottsville, Shamokin, 
and Williamsport. 

THE ROYAL ROUTE TO THE SEA, 

The Double Track Line between Philadelphia 
and Atlantic City. 


I. A. SWEIOARD, General Superintendent. 

0. O’- HANCOCK, General Paasenger Agent. 



“THE RHINE, 
THE ALPS, 

And the BATTLEFIELD LINE.” 


The Famons 


Liiited. 


FAST FLYING VIRGINIAN 


HAS NO EQUAL BETWEEN 


CINCINNATI AND NEW YORK, 

Via Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. 

Vestlbuled, Steam Heated, and Electric Lighted Throughout. 

THROUaH DINING CAR and COMPLETE PULLMAN SERVICE. 


THROUGH SLEEPERS TO AND FROM 

ST. LOUIS, CHICACO AND LOUISVILLE. 

The most interesting historic associations and the most striking and beautiful 
scenery in the United States are linked together by the C & O. System, which traverses 
Virginia, the first foothold of English settlers in America, where the Revolutionary 
War was begun and ended, and where the great battles of the Civil War were fought ; 
crosses the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains and the famous Shenandoah Valley, 
reaches the celebrated Springs region of the Virginias, and lies through the canons of 
New River, where the scenery is grand beyond description. It follows the banks of 
the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers, and penetrates the famous Blue Grass region of Ken- 
tucky, noted for producing the greatest race-horses of the world. 

For maps, folders, descriptive pamphlets, etc., apply to Pennsylvania Railroad 
ticket ofiSces in New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, the principal ticket oflBces 
throughout the country, or any of the following C. & O. agencies; 

NEW YORK— 362 and 1323 Broadway. 

WASHINGTON— 513 and 1421 Pennsylvania avenue. 

CINCINNATI— Corner Fifth and Walnut streets. 

LOUISVILLE— 253 Fourth avenue. 

ST. LOUIS— Corner Broadway and Chestnut street. 

CHICAGO— 234 Clark street. 

0. B, RYAN, Assistant General Passenger Agent, Cincinnati, O. 

H. W. PULLER, General Passenger Agent, Washington, D. 



F. J. MOORE, General Agent, 23 Exchange St., Buffalo, N. Y. 

A. W. JOHNSTON, Gen. Supt., B. F. HORNER, Gen. Pass. Agent. 

CLEVELAND, O. ^ * 







MISSOURI, 

KANSAS, 

INDIAN TERRITORY, 

TEXAS, 

MEXICO 

CALIFORNIA. 


FREE RECLINING CHAIR CARS ON ALL TRAINS. 


THROUGH WAGNER PALACE BUFFET SLEEPING OARS 
FROM THE GFiBA'r IvAKB® TO THE 
GUIVn' OH' MEXICO. 


For further information call on or address your nearest 
Ticket Agent, or 

BAEKER, G. P. & T. A., 

St- l-iouis, 


There is little need of emphasizing the FACT that the 


Maine Central 
Railroad 

TTas been the developer of Bar Harbor, and has made this Incomparable 

summer home the 

. Crown of t he Atlantic Coast, 

AND MnBPnvpa: - 

The Natural Wonders of the White Mountains, 

The Wierd Grandeur of the Dixville Notch, 

The Quaint Ways and Scenes of Quebec, 

The Multifarious Attractions of Montreal, 

The Elegance of Poland Springs, 

The inexhaustable Fishing of Rangeley, 

The Unique Scenery of Moosehead, 

The Remarkable Healthfulness of St. Andrews, 

Are all within contact of the ever-lengthening arms 
of the Maine Central Railroad. 

The Renowned Vacation Line, 

Or, to those who enjoy Ocean Sailing, the statement is made that the pioneer 
line along the coast of Maine, making numerous landings at picturesque 
points, almost encircling the Island of Mt. Desert is the 

Portland, Mt. Desert and 
Machias Steamboat Co. 


The New, Large ^nd Luxurious Stesimer, “Frank Jones,” makes, during 
the summer season,' three round trips per week between Rockland, Bar Har- 
bor and Machiasport. ^ 

Illustrated outlines, details of transportation, and other information upon 
application to 

F. E. BOOTHBY, PAYSON TUCKER, 

G. P. and T. Agt. Vice-Pres’t and Gen. Mgr. 


Portland, Mk. 


HUE B Ml 
lESTERE UMOW 

Ft. Wayne, Cincinnati, and Louisviiie Raiiroad. 

“Nalnral Gas Eonte." Tie Popnlar Siort Line 

BETWEEN 

f eoria, Bloomington, C^iicago, St. Louis, Springfield, Lafayettij 
Frankfort, Muncie, Portland, Lima, Findlay, Fostoria, 
Fremont, Sandusky, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Peru, 
Rochester, Plymouth, LaPorte, Michigan 
City, Ft. Wayne, Hartford, Blnlfton, 
ConnorsYille, and Cincinnati, making 

Direct Connections for all Points East, West, North and South, 


THE ONLY LINE TRAVERSING 

THE GREAT NATURAL GAS AND OIL FIELDS 

Ohio and Indiana, giving the patrons of this Popular Route an 
E:>pportunity to witness the grand sight from the train as they pasn 
(through. Great fields covered with tanks, in which are stored millions 
of gallons of oil, Natural Gas wells shooting their flames high in tho 
air, and the most beautiful cities, fairly alive with glass and all kinds 
of factories. 

We furnish our patrons with Elegant Reclining Chair Gar Seats 
Free, on day trains, and L. E. & W. Palace Sleeping and Parlor Cars, 
on night trains, at very reasonable rates. 

Direct connections to and from Cleveland, Buffalo. New York, 
Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburg, Washington, Kansas City, 
Denver, Omaha, Portland, San Francisco, and all points in the Unit^ 
States and Canada. 

This is the popular route with the ladies, on account of its courteous 
and accommodating train officials, and with the commercial traveler 
and general public for its comforts, quick time and sure connections. 

Fer any further particulars call on or address any Ticket Agent 

H. C. PARKER, CHAS. P. DALY, 

VralBo Rfanaaer, Gta'l Fms* ^ TkU 

IJfBIAlf AFRLIS. UfUr^ 




THE 


DELAWARE 

-A.isrE 

HUDSON 
RAILROAD. 

THE ONLY DIRECT ROUTE TO THE GREAT 

ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS, 

Lake George, Lake Champlain, Ausable Chasm, the Adirondack 
Moimtains, Saratoga, B.oxmd Lake, Sharon Springs, 
Cooperstown, Howe’s Cave, and the Celebrated 
Gravity Railroad between Carbondale 
and Honesdale, Pa., present the 

Greatest Combination of Health and Pleasure Resorts in America. 

THE DIRECT LINE TO THE SUPERB SUMMER HOTEL 
OF THE NORTH, 

«THE HOTEL CHAMPLAIN,” 

(Three Miles South of Plattsburgh, on Lake Champlain.) 

THE SHORTEST AND MOST COMFORTABLE ROUTE 
BETWEEN NEW YORK AND MONTREAL. 


In Connection with the Erie Railway, the most Picturesque 
and Interesting Route between Chicago and Boston. 

The only through Pullman Line. 

Inclose Six Cents in Stamps for Illustrated Guide to 

H. 0. YOUNG, J. W. BURDICK, 

2d Vice-President. Gen’l Pass. Agent, Albany, N. X, 




THE QMm TRUNK 


RAILWAY SYSTEM 


^ Ha«a the most Popular Route to the West, 

Combining: every Comfort and Luxury. 

PULLIVIAN OR WAGNER SLEEPERS ON ALL TRAINS, 

Solid Vestibuled Pullman 
Dining and Sleeping Car Trains 

Through from New York to Chicago without change. 
Choice of route from 

NEW YORK TO 

^ 

NIAGARA FALLS, SUSPENSION BRIDGE, 

TORONTO, DETROIT, PORT HURON, CHICAGO 

And the West. 

The Celebrated St. Clair Tunnel, 

Which connects Canada and the United States, and is the 
greatest submarine tunnel in the world. 

The Grand Trunk Railway System is justly celebrated for 
its Fishing and Hunting Resorts, as on and contiguous to it 
are the greatest grounds in the world, among them being the 

Muskoka Lakes, St. Lawrence River, Thousand 
Islands, Lake St. John Region, White 
Mountains, Androscoggin, 

And many others too numerous to mention. 


CHAS.M.HAYS, GEO. B. REEVE, W. E. DAVIS, 

GENERAL MANAGER, QEN’L TRAFFIC MANAGER, GEN‘L PASS' R AGT, 

Montreal, P. Q.. 

FRANK P. DWYER, East. Pass. Agent, 

E73 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. 


WHEN 
YOU ARE 
THROUGH 

READING 

fTHIS BOOKl 

Send me . . . 

SIX OEISTTS 
. . . for one that tells 
where you can spend 
your Vacation in . . . 

1896 . 

, IBTHHffl PACIFIC MIIEOAD. 

OH ARLES 8. FEE, 

G^en. Pass. Agent. 

ST. PAUL, 

Minn. 


THE NEW ENGLAND 

X1.j^XXjX1.0j^X> CO. 

Travelers between New York and Boston 
should always ask for tickets via the 

“AIR LINE LIMITED” TRAIN, 

Leaving either city 1,00 P. M,, week 
days only, due destination 6.00 P. M, 

BUFFET SMOKER, PARLOR CARS AND COACHES. 

Trains arrive at li leave from Pars Spare Station, Boston. 

1 4 i ^ State House, Park Square Station, Boston. 

Ticket Offices^ Central Station, New York. 


The Norwich Liine, 

INSID£ ROUTE. 

Steamers leave Pier 40, North Kiver, New York, 6,30 P. M. week 
days only. Connecting at New London with Steamboat Express 
Train due Worcester 8.00 A, M,, Boston 10,00 A, M. 

RETURNING, 

Train leaves Boston 7.00 P. M., Worcester 8.00 P. M., week days 
only. Connecting at New London with Steamers of the 
Line due New York 7.00 A. M. 


Tickets, Staterooms on Steamers, and full information at offices, 


Pier 40, North Kiver, - • 

3 Old State House, 

Station foot of Summer St., 


NEW YORK. 
BOSTON. 


W. R. BABCOCK, General Passenger Agent, Boston. 
January 21, 1896. 





% 








-i ^ • 



#. - 





•* 







a 






' A 






I 






\ 


K 


ft 


c <: 



> 


✓ 

rt 








f 


4 



( 



j 

1 


■’ ,“ *- 


• > 


I 


-r • ‘ 

* 





OVER HALF A MILLION OF JULIA EDWARDS’ NOVELS 


HAVE BEEN SOLD. 

Julia Edwards’ Novels. 


A poor girl with the dangerous heritage of beauty 
must needs possess a heart as true as steel to escape the 
traps set to ensnare her by designing men. No living- 
writer is the equal of Julia Edwards in the vivid portrayal 
of the struggles and triumphs of the brave daughters of 
the people — the working girls of our great cities. 

These novels are copyrighted and can be had only in 
the Clover Series. Paper, 2 =, cents. Cloth, one dollar. 

41— Prettiest of All. Py Julia Edwards. 

42— The Little Widow. Py Julia Edwards. 

43 — Peautiful but Poor. P>y Julia Edwards. 

-44— Sadia the Rosebud. Py Julia Edwards. 

45 — Laura Praytoii. P} Julia Edwards. 

4G— Stella Sterling. Ry Julia Edwards. 

47 — He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not. Py Julia Edwards. 

Julia Edwards’ heroines are all taken from real life, 
and the spirited action of the story holds the attention 
and interest of the reader without intermission fronV 
cover to cover. 

E'or sale by all booksellers and newsdealers, or sent 
postage free on receipt of price, by the publishers. 

STREET & SMITH, 

25 to 31 Rose Street, New York. 


X. 0 

The Flag Series/- 

DEVOTED TO STORIES OF PATRIOTISM AND BRAVERY. 


Price f Paper Edition , 25 Cents. 


What patriotic American does not honor our noble 
standard, Old Glory ? And who is there who does not 
love to read of noble deeds, brave adventures and perilous 
escapes in the defense of our flag and country, with the 
side lights of love and comedy deftly interspersed ? 

1. — The Yankee Champion. By Sylvanus 

Cobb, Jr. 

2. — A Soldier Lover. By Edward S. Brooks. 

3. — A Fair Pioneer. By J. M. ivierrill. 

4. — The Dispatch Bearer. By Warren Ed- 

wards. 

5. — Under Fire. By T. P. James. 

6. — The Colonel’s Wife. By Warren Ed- 

wards. 

7. — The War Reporter. By Warren Ed- 

wards. 

The Flag Series treats of brave men and patriotic 
women. Every true-hearted American will read it. 

Elegantly embelished with magnificently colored 
covers, executed with the greatest skill by unexcelled 
artists. Well bound, well printed — in short this series is 
a gem of the first water. 

For sale by all booksellers and newsdealers, or sent 
postage free on receipt of price, by the publishers. 

STREET & SMITH, 

25 to 31 Rose Street, New York. 






I 


I 





f 


* 


% 



I 




V Ifi 


II 








I 


■if 


. V 

I 




I 


» 

j 


f. 




f 







l^f ' K 


m 


I iM 







